Southampton: The WTC final seems to be a lot tougher than thought after both India and New Zealand fought hard on the fifth day. New Zealand started off nicely without losing a wicket in the first hour before India bowlers fought back. The Virat Kohli-led side ended the day at 64/2, taking a lead of 32 runs and eight wickets in hand.
Indian opener Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma were the two wickets India lost in the second innings. Earlier, New Zealand resumed the day on 101/2, trailing by 116 runs in the first innings.
Stumps in Southampton 🏏
India finish the day on 64/2, with a lead of 32! Tim Southee claimed the wickets of the openers.#WTC21 Final | #INDvNZ | https://t.co/nz8WJ8wKfC pic.twitter.com/qlKrCVGAJn
— ICC (@ICC) June 22, 2021
The Indian bowlers were on top throughout the day with Mohammed Shami being the star of the pack with four wickets. Ross Taylor was the first to go with Shubman Gill taking a fine diving catch off Shami. Skipper Kane Williamson did provide some resistance helping New Zealand take a crucial 32-run lead finishing the first innings at 249 all out.
It’s been a good day for the fast bowlers. Your @ThumsUpOfficial Thunderbolts features some crackers ⚡ pic.twitter.com/QLphowS8WI
— ICC (@ICC) June 22, 2021
While Shami finished with 4/76, Ishant Sharma (3/48) and Ravi Ashwin (2/28) also come back with wickets. Jasprit Bumrah however didn’t get a wicket on the day. Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara are at the crease for India and the pair will play a crucial role in the outcome of the match.
As many as 10 wickets fell in the day, with Mohammad Shami taking four of them 🔥
Your @bookingcom Best Wickets from Day 5 of the ICC World Test Championship Final 👇#WTC21 Final | #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/rJ4F5Vdq4d
— ICC (@ICC) June 22, 2021
Despite the weather and the time lost, this could boil down to a cracking finish on Day 6, although a draw is still the favourite.
