ICC Acting CEO Geoff Allardice has congratulated the New Zealand team on winning the inaugural World Test Championship as they registered a dominating win over India in a riveting final at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. WTC is the first major ICC trophy for the New Zealand cricket team since 2000 and an incredibly well-fought match witnessed the Kiwis bundle out the Indian team for 170 in the second innings, leaving them 139 to chase for victory.

In an official press release, ICC CEO said, “I would like to congratulate the first-ever World Test Champions, the Black Caps who displayed the skill and temperament required to be the best Test team in the world. I would also like to congratulate the Indian team, who performed so consistently to qualify for the Final and came so close to winning it.”

ALSO READ: “Newbies” Of Team India Shared A Training Session Together In Mumbai

He further added, “Both teams showed their quality and it was a simply outstanding game of Test cricket that will live long in the memories of cricket fans around the world, also played in a great spirit that highlighted the mutual respect between the teams.”

A complete effort on the Reserve Day saw New Zealand edging India in a final which had its ebbs and flows in the first innings. The Kiwis made full use of the slight lead of 32 runs and New Zealand managed to bowl out India cheaply in the second innings to get a target of just 139. The batsmen did not relent and in the end, the Kiwis side walked away with a comfortable victory.

ALSO READ: Ishant Sharma Gets Three Stitches After Being Injured In WTC Final

ICC CEO further explained, “Throughout the two-year World Test Championship both Kane and Virat made no secret of their desire to win the Test Mace and that was clearly evident over the last six days. The quality of the play was befitting of the two best Test teams in the world and it was an enthralling game.”