New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said on Wednesday that his side showed great heart in the summit clash after winning the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC), and he praised every one of his players for their contributions.

On Wednesday, New Zealand overcame India by eight wickets at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, with unbeaten innings by Williamson (52) and Ross Taylor(47).

Kane Williamson after winning the WTC title: It’s a very special feeling

“It’s a special feeling. It’s nice to get one under the belt. I’d like to thank Virat and the Indian team. The heart that our team showed was commendable. It’s the first time we have come away with a world title, and the 22 players who played a big part in getting across the line deserve all the appreciation. This will be remembered for a long time,” Williamson told in an interview.

“We don’t always have all the stars, and we saw that in this match. We saw so much heart and commitment. We know how strong the Indian side is, in all conditions. It’s a fickle game, in a one-off final. It ebbed and flowed, no one really had the upper hand for six days, and I’m happy we’re on the right side of it,” he added.

‘Ross is obviously well experienced and calm in these situations’: Williamson

New Zealand edged India in a final that featured ups and downs in the first innings owing to a comprehensive effort on the Reserve Day. The Kiwis took good advantage of their small 32-run lead, as the Williamson-led side swept out India quickly in the second innings to set a target of 139. The batters did not give up, and in the end, the team went to a comfortable victory.

“It was certainly tough going in the first innings. The lower order played with more freedom and got us a lead that gave us an edge. Ross is obviously very experienced and calm in these situations and it was great to be with him right there at the end. BJ Watling – I don’t know if he’s retiring anymore actually,” said Williamson.

“He’s a scrappy player, so this is a fitting end to a fantastic career for BJ Watling,” he added.

On the Reserve day of the WTC final, India was clean swept for 170 in the 2nd innings. Tim Southee grabbed 4 wickets which helped New Zealand. The Kiwis would have to score 139 runs in a minimum of 53 overs to win the title, owing to their brilliant bowling performance.

Rishabh Pant became the top-scored for India with 41 runs, but he had little company in the middle as none of the top-order batsmen were able to bat. After losing Virat Kohli (13), Ajinkya Rahane (15) and Cheteshwar Pujara (15), in the first session, it was up to Ravindra Jadeja (16 off 49 balls) to keep him company.

 

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