World Test Championship: India set final clash with Australia after New Zealand beat Sri Lanka
India and Australia will play WTC final in June this year
New Zealand beat Sri Lanka after an exciting finish in Christchurch on Monday to help India qualify for ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final.
The home side needed just a run off the last ball of the final day to win the opening Test of two-match series. Sri Lanka, who were in contention for WTC final qualification, had to win both Tests against New Zealand in order to qualify.
However, Kane Williamson's hundred in a rain-hit first Test of the series snatched Sri Lanka's chance of playing their maiden WTC final. Williamson scored 121 not-out to help the Kiwis beat the visitors by two wickets on the final day.
The exciting successful finish by New Zealand in the opening Test confirmed India's spot in the ICC WTC final. They will now meet Australia in the final contest at The Oval, London from June 7-11.
Meanwhile, India faced Australia in a four-match Test series, winning it by 2-1. India won first two Tests of the series to take a 2-0 lead. However, Australia bounced back to win the third contest, leaving fourth Test to be the series decider.
On Monday, the fourth Test between India and Australia ended in a draw and the home side clinched the series to remain in the second position at ICC WTC points table.
India will play ICC WTC final for the second time in a row. In 2021, they faced New Zealand in ICC WTC 2019-21 in Southampton. The Kiwis beat India by eight wickets to lift the inaugural ICC WTC title.
Comments