Twitter Reactions: Intriguing 5th day's play sets up for a thrilling climax in WTC Final between India and New Zealand

India ended Day 5 at 64/2 with a lead of 32 runs.

By Aditya Gajanan Kukalyekar verified

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4 Min Read

Indian Cricket Team
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Indian Cricket Team. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

After the entire fourth day was washed out due to rain, India were under pressure to restrict New Zealand in the first innings of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) Final. The Kiwis were sitting pretty at 101/2 only 116 runs behind India’s total. With Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor in the middle, they had the chance to bat only once and put pressure on the opposition on the final day.

However, that wasn’t to be. The conditions were extremely conducive for bowling and India’s pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami just didn’t give an inch to the duo. Shami especially was extremely lethal as things started moving once he was introduced into the attack. India hardly gave any runs in the first hour but couldn’t pick up any wickets.

But it was in the second hour when they were able to reap the rewards. While it was Taylor first to chip one straight to Shubman Gill on 11, Ishant Sharma drew Henry Nicholls forward as the edge flew to second slip fielder. BJ Watling then got a peach of a delivery from Shami as New Zealand were suddenly reduced to 117/2 to 135/5 in no time.

At the other end, Kane Williamson was just blocking and leaving everything. He was not flustered with the movement of the ball and the wickets falling at the other end at all. Rather the Kiwi skipper scored only seven runs in the first session to remain unbeaten. However, New Zealand only scored 34 runs in 23 overs and lost three wickets.

A moving second session

Having lost wickets in quick succession in trying conditions, New Zealand needed to up the ante as they were still trailing by 82 runs. And the intent was clear from Colin de Grandhomme who smacked the first ball for four off Bumrah. India just waited for the new ball to arrive then and Shami nipped one back in sharply with the shining Dukes to pin the Kiwi all-rounder in front of the stumps.

At 162/6, the game was right in the balance. But then, Kyle Jamieson, who made things happen with the ball, came and played his shots fearlessly churning out some quick runs. His 21 off 16 gave New Zealand the much needed momentum and also took them close to India’s total. Tim Southee then came out and hung around to score 30 runs even as Williamson fought it out at the other end.

The BlackCaps captain reached 49 runs upping the ante but fell short of a well deserved finally poking at a delivery outside the off-stump. New Zealand were soon bundled out but not before takin a crucial 32-run lead.

India lose two wickets

India once again started decently in their second essay. But Tim Southee proved too good for Shubman Gill as he pinned him in front of the stumps on 8. Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma then batted somewhat comfortably with sun coming out. Just when it felt that the duo would see the day unscathed, Southee just put on some excellent swing bowling.

After bowling consistent outswingers, the bowler nipped one back in and Rohit shouldered his arms only for the ball to thud into his pads. The umpire had no hesitation in giving him out. Suprisingly, Virat Kohli came out to bat despite only 15 minutes to go for stumps and looked good in his short stay. India ended the day on 64/2 by stumps with Pujara (12*) looking solid with his skipper.

It will be interesting to see India will pace up their innings to challenge New Zealand with a target or they will shut shop and play for a draw. The Kiwis, on the other hand, will be eyeing early wickets in the first hour to have any chance of winning this match.

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