Xtra Time Web Desk: A disciplined bowling from the New Zealand bowlers led by Tim Southee saw India getting bowled out for 170 runs on Day 6 of the ICC World Test Championship Final at the Ageas Bowl. New Zealand need 139 runs to win the inaugural World Test Championship final in 53 overs. Rishabh Pant played a gritty knock of 41(88), taking on the Kiwi bowlers but was not good enough as he was undone by Trent Boult. Southee was the pick of the BlackCaps bowlers with figures of 19-4-48-4. There were good contributions from Trent Boult (3/39), Kyle Jamieson (2/30) and Neil Wagner (1/44).
Earlier, India started the day with overnight score of 63/2 with India captain Virat Kohli batting on 7*(9) and Cheteshwar Pujara on 12*(55). It was Kyle Jamieson who started the wreckage, getting rid of India captain with a peach of a delivery bouncing outside off stumps. Kohli could do much but edging it to BJ Watling , who was playing his last test match of his international career. Indian captain could only manage to add 6 runs to his overnight score. Jamieson struck again by picking the solid looking Cheteshwar Pujara for 15 runs. Pujara edged an out swinger from Jamieson to Taylor fielding in second slips. Ajinkya Rahane who looked good for his 15(40) was out to a soft dismissal yet again. The test vice captain was caught on the leg side by Watling off the bowling of Boult. The teams went off for lunch with the score reading 130/5.
India made a mini fight back with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja showing positive intent. Pant was lucky to have survived on 5 runs as a simple regulation catch was dropped by Southee of Boult. The left hander after the reprieve decided to play some entertaining shots. The duo added 33 runs before Wagner struck. The tireless BlackCaps bowler, got the better of Jadeja coming round the wicket with a beauty outside off stump. The Indian all rounder snicked to Watling after scoring 16 runs.
New Zealand Captain Kane Williamson made a good tactical change, bringing in Trent Boult. He immediately got rid of dangerous Pant, who had a wild heave only to be caught by Henry Nicholls running from gully. Pant scored a fighting 41(88) which included four boundaries. Boult picked Ashwon in the same over giving a catch to Ross Taylor for 7(19). Tim Southee was brought back into the attack to finish off the Indian tail, picking both Shami and Bumrah. India could manage only 170 runs, taking a lead of 138 runs.
Scores:
New Zealand: 249 & 19/0
India: 217 & 170