ICC WTC Final: How New Zealand celebrated their World Test Championship win

ICC WTC FInal: “It is a special feeling,” said captain Kane Williamson after registering their maiden win at the inaugural World Test Championship final at the Ageas Bowl. Ross Taylor and Williamson played unbeaten knocks off 52 and 47, respectively to ensure they take home the WTC mace. The duo congratulated each other after the win. But it was the dressing room that went crazy after Taylor hit the winning four.

What happened in the dressing room after ICC WTC Final

ICC shared a video of the celebrations of the dressing room. The BlackCaps players were seen jumping around. After a brief celebration in the dressing room, the team proceeded towards the ground to welcome their two most experienced Test players.

“The @BLACKCAPS dressing room the moment Ross Taylor hit the winning runs in the #WTC21 Final,” ICC captioned the video.

Williamson also thanked the Indian team for a good fight in a rain-affected WTC Final.

“It’s a special feeling. It’s nice to get one under the belt. I’d like to thank Virat and the Indian team. The heart that our team showed was commendable. It’s the first time we have come away with a world title, and the 22 players who played a big part in getting across the line deserve all the appreciation. This will be remembered for a long time,” Williamson told host broadcaster Star Sports.

“We don’t always have all the stars, and we saw that in this match. We saw so much heart and commitment. We know how strong the Indian side is, in all conditions. It’s a fickle game, in a one-off final. It ebbed and flowed, no one really had the upper hand for six days, and I’m happy we’re on the right side of it,” he added.

A complete effort on the Reserve Day saw New Zealand take home the title of the World Champions. They had their ups and downs but it was them who made it to the top by the end of it. The Kiwis made full use of the slender 32-run lead and the Williamson-led side made it easily to a target of 139. The batsmen did not relent and in the end, the side walked away with a comfortable victory.

“It was certainly tough going in the first innings. The lower order played with more freedom and got us a lead that gave us an edge. Ross is obviously very experienced and calm in these situations and it was great to be with him right there at the end. BJ Watling – I don’t know if he’s retiring anymore actually,” said Williamson.

“He’s a scrappy player, so this is a fitting end to a fantastic career for BJ Watling,” he added.

Earlier, Tim Southee scalped four wickets as India was bundled out for 170 in the second innings on the Reserve Day. The inspired show with the ball ensured that New Zealand would need to score 139 runs in a minimum of 53 overs to win the title.