New Zealand crowned World Test Champions

In a rain affected Cricket match in Southampton, New Zealand beat India in the WTC Final Wednesday to clinch only their second ICC trophy in cricket history.Chasing a target of 139 in 53 overs, New Zealand rode on superb knocks from veterans Kane Williamson (52*) and Ross Taylor (47*) to win the ICC World Test Championship Final by 8 wickets at the Ageas Bowl on Day 6. The Black Caps were outstanding with the ball in the first session on the reserve day which turned the tide in their favour as India got bowled out for a disappointing 170 in their second innings in good batting conditions, after resuming on their overnight score of 64 for 2.

India's last hope of turning the tide evaporated when, with New Zealand 55 runs shy of victory at 84-2, Cheteshwar Pujara dropped a regulation slip catch off the luckless Jasprit Bumrah to reprieve Taylor on 26.Taylor ended the match when he whipped Mohammed Shami off his pads for four.India resumed on 64-2, with key batsman Kohli adding just five runs to his overnight eight when he again fell to Royal Challengers Bangalore team-mate Jamieson, edging to BJ Watling in the wicketkeeper's final match before retirement. India's 71-3 became 72-4 when Pujara edged Jamieson low to a diving Taylor at first slip.In came Pant, whose batting heroics helped India achieve a remarkable come-from-behind series win in Australia earlier this year. Pant eventually fell when his skied edge off left-armer Boult was brilliantly caught by Henry Nicholls, running back from point.

New Zealand will take home the winning prize money of $1.60 million (approximately Rs 11.86 crore) and the ICC Test mace for the first time in history. The Black Caps have also consolidated their position at the top of the ICC Test team rankings as a result of this victory. Team India meanwhile, will get a cash prize of $800,000 (Rs 5.93 crore) for finishing as the runners-up in Southampton.