New Zealand won the inaugural World Test Championship on June 23, 2021, beating India. The 8-wicket chase in Southampton capped a six-day thriller. Kane Williamson’s 52 not out sealed it on the final day. Kyle Jamieson’s 7 wickets earned him player of the match. Rain delays tested both sides, but Kiwis prevailed. The Black Caps claimed Test supremacy.
India posted 217, with Virat Kohli’s 44 leading a collapse. Jamieson’s swing bowling wrecked their lineup early. New Zealand’s 249 reply, led by Devon Conway, took control. India’s second innings 170 set a chase of 139. Tim Southee’s 4 wickets backed Jamieson’s fire. The Rose Bowl saw history made.
The final was a clash of Test titans, delayed by COVID. New Zealand’s pace attack outshone India’s famed spinners. Williamson’s calm contrasted Kohli’s fire, a captain’s duel. Fans praised the format, despite weather woes. The Kiwis’ first global title stunned bigger nations. Underdogs no more, they shone.
Post-win, Williamson eyed more, with England next. India rued a rare Test final loss. The 2021 crown was New Zealand’s peak. Fans in Auckland partied despite time zones. The Black Caps rewrote their story. Test cricket got a new king.
