Hold on to your hats, folks! New Zealand just knocked England for a loop with a heart-stopping one-run win in the Wellington Test on February 28, 2023. It was a match that had everything: records broken, wickets tumbling, and nail-biting finishes. And, boy, did the Kiwis show their mettle!
After a dodgy start where they got bowled out on the cheap in the first innings, and then had to follow on, things were looking bleak for the hosts. But Neil Wagner, the Kiwi hero, took three wickets in the blink of an eye, causing all sorts of mayhem on the final day after lunch. And what about Kane Williamson’s epic century and Tom Blundell’s equally impressive support? They gave New Zealand a fighting chance, and the rest is history.
The match was like a rollercoaster ride, with England needing 210 runs and the hosts nine wickets to win on Day 4. Tim Southee, the Kiwi skipper, sent Zak Crawley packing, and Southee and Matt Henry struck early to leave England reeling at 59/3. But Joe Root and Ollie Pope played the damage control game, with Root scoring a run-a-ball half-century before captain Ben Stokes curbed his natural instincts and dug in.
On Day 5, Wagner took Pope’s wicket, and New Zealand got lucky with the run-out of Harry Brook, who didn’t even face a delivery before getting sent back to the pavilion. Wagner then dismissed James Anderson to get his fourth wicket of the innings, and New Zealand sealed a thriller in front of a packed crowd at Basin Reserve. Ben Foakes almost brought his side to victory, but the Kiwis didn’t give up till the last over. And, oh my gosh, captain Southee caught Foakes at deep fine-leg, sealing the deal.
New Zealand’s one-run win was only the second in the history of Test cricket, after West Indies beat Australia in 1993, 30 years ago in Adelaide. Way to go, Kiwis! They joined India and England in becoming only the third team to win a Test after following on. But poor England became only the second team to lose a Test match after enforcing a following-on, with Australia losing thrice in this way. Ouch!
Despite losing their captain, Ross Taylor, to a calf injury and their star bowler, Trent Boult, who withdrew from the series for the birth of his child, the Black Caps showed their fighting spirit and resilience. The victory was particularly sweet for them, as they had faced several setbacks in the lead-up to the series. It proved that they are a formidable side at home and can overcome even the toughest challenges.
In conclusion, the Wellington Test was a crackerjack match that saw New Zealand come out on top. The Kiwis’ never-say-die attitude helped them level the two-match series against England and maintain their unbeaten Test record at home. Congratulations, New Zealand! You knocked it out of the park!
