Xtra Time Web Desk: New Zealand have pulled off a sensational one run win over England in the second test at Basin Reserve, Wellington on Tuesday. The BlackCaps become only the fourth team in the history of men’s test cricket to win after being forced to follow-on by their opponents. It was just the second time in the 2494 men’s test matches in history that a match has been decided by one run, after the West Indies beat Australia in Adelaide in 1993.
After reducing the visitors to 80-5 in the first session of the final day, New Zealand saw Joe Root (95) and Ben Stokes (33) add 121 for the sixth wicket to seemingly set up victory. But Neil Wagner removed both batters in quick succession and eventually decided the result when he had No.11 James Anderson caught behind down the leg side by wicketkeeper Tom Blundell.
It was the first time a side has won a test despite following-on batting after their first innings since India triumphed in one of the greatest games by 171 runs over Australia at Eden Gardens in March 2001. The two other instances were by England over Australia in Sydney in 1894/95 and by England over Australia at Headingley in 1981.
Scores:
England 435-8 declared and 256 (Joe Root 95; Neil Wagner 4-62, Tim Southee 3-45)
New Zealand 209 and 483