New Zealand pulled off a second nail-biting Test win in a row with an amazing victory over Sri Lanka on the final ball of the match in Christchurch. After beating England a couple of weeks ago by a solitary run, the Kiwis registered a close two-wicket win after Kane Williamson stroked a superb century on the final day. Needing 15 runs off the last three overs with just the tailenders with him, Williamson controlled the strike and kept the runs flowing to get the hosts to their target of 285 with just one ball to spare.
The hosts required eight from the final over and tailender Matt Henry sacrificed his wicket, running out trying for an impossible second run. With the target now five from three, Williamson slashed a square drive to the boundary, and then after an Asitha Fernando bouncer sailed over his head.
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On the final delivery, Fernando sent down another shot ball and after missing the hook, New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson scampered through for a bye, diving to the crease with centimeters to spare despite a direct hit from the relayed throw to the stumps. Rain delayed the start of play on the last day. New Zealand resumed at 1-28, needing a further 257 runs to win and lead the two-match series after the first session was washed out.
Here is the video of the few last moments:
A thriller in Christchurch. #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/7hv2j4bEjJ
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 13, 2023
https://twitter.com/sfactor218/status/1635170732232835073?s=19
Sri Lanka needed to win both Tests to earn a place in the final of the World Test Championship but India has now qualified regardless of the outcome of their fourth Test against Australia. Tom Latham went early for 28 and Henry Nicholls made just 20 at the home side slumped to 3-92. Williamson found an attacking ally in Daryl Mitchell, who amassed 81 from just 86 balls as they shared a 142-run partnership in 26 overs.
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Tom Blundell (three), Michael Bracewell (10), Tim Southee (one), and Henry (four) fell in the frenetic finish chasing quick runs but Williamson held solid to get them home. A 14th century from Angelo Matthews dragged the tourists right back into the contest at Hagley Oval on day four as he helped Sri Lanka’s lead to extend to 284 when they were dismissed for 302.
As India qualifies for the World Test Championship Final for the second consecutive time, fans on Twitter reacted to it. Here are some of the reactions:
WHAT IS THERE TO TYPE THIS IN ALL CAPS https://t.co/ytdKhHoUuv
— Its over (KDB ka parivar) (@PS0000000000000) March 13, 2023
they shouldn't have.
DAMN YOU NEW ZEALAND https://t.co/7a4mWwQCaX— ♡ (@crazioticc) March 13, 2023
Shake hands with smith now https://t.co/Yd9zwsMxNE
— Aayush (@herr_aayush) March 13, 2023
https://twitter.com/jxshxrxn7/status/1635169100736630788?s=20
https://twitter.com/iamrishixd0045/status/1635168973565329408?s=20
All thanks to this cutie❤ pic.twitter.com/yc10c0nLkf
— Priyanka (@Lostgirlprii) March 13, 2023
For the first time New Zealand hamare kisi kaam aaya 😷😂#WTC23 #NZvsSL
— Anindita Banerjee (@AninditaB_AB) March 13, 2023
https://twitter.com/MisterBeeTee/status/1635169285546061826?s=20
https://twitter.com/JAKesully_45/status/1635169389560614912?s=20
Thank U Kane pic.twitter.com/ftLLAlyuLG
— Tapan Nath (@Tapa_n18) March 13, 2023
June 2022
India almost disqualified for final
March 2023
India qualify
Rohit era
— ♪ (@RealNameHide) March 13, 2023
