NZ vs ENG: New Zealand become third team to win Test match after asked to follow-on

New Zealand Team. (Photo Source: ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Kane Williamson’s magnificent century (132) in New Zealand’s second innings and Neil Wagner’s four-wicket haul (4/62) in the final innings helped the Kiwis stage a sensational victory over England by just one-run margin in the second Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

By virtue of the same, they levelled the series 1-1 and became only the third team in history to snatch a victory after being asked to follow-on. All the previous instances came against Australia (twice by England in 1894 and 1981 and once by India in 2001). After a long gap of 22 years, Tim Southee and his men grabbed the special feat in Test cricket.

The Black Caps also became only the second team to win a Test match by a margin of a solitary run. Previously, the West Indies defeated Australia by the same margin in Adelaide in the year 1993. Chasing a target of 186, the Australians fell just short as they got bundled out for 184 courtesy of Curtly Ambrose’s spell of 4/46 in 26 overs. Courtney Walsh also picked up 3/44 as the Caribbean side became the first side to win by the narrowest of one-run margins.

Speaking in detail about the Wellington Test, captain Southee won the toss and opted to field first. Youngster Harry Brook smashed a scintillating century (186) while Joe Root also remained unbeaten on 153 as England posted a total of 435 on the board in the first innings.

In reply, the home side managed only 209 with Southee hitting 73 off just 49 while coming lower down the order. Stuart Broad picked up four wickets while James Anderson and Jack Leach took three apiece.

After being asked to follow on, openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway set the tone for the hosts as they amassed 83 and 61 runs respectively. Daryl Mitchell struck 54 while wicketkeeper batter Tom Blundell continued his rich vein of form to score 90. But it was the ever-reliable Williamson who fought hard and brought up his 26th Test ton. His side got bowled out for 483, setting a target of 258 for the visitors.

Wagner created havoc after Lunch on the final day as he broke the 121-run stand for the sixth wicket between Root and captain Ben Stokes. The seamer removed the former for 95 and Stokes for 33 as New Zealand sensed a victory.

He then took the final wicket of Anderson to clinch an epic and memorable win for the Black Caps. Williamson grabbed the Player of the Match award while Brook took away the Player of the Series award for scoring 329 runs in four outings. By virtue of the victory, the hosts kept their solid record of not losing a Test series at home since 2017 intact. In the last 11 series, they won eight consecutive series before now drawing three on the bounce.

Test victory after a Follow-on:

Test victory by a margin of one run: