In a thrilling Test match, New Zealand secured a famous one-run victory over England on the final day of the second Test at Wellington.
Incredible scenes at the Basin Reserve. A thrilling end to the 2nd Test in Wellington 🏏 #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/tyG7laNtdP
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 28, 2023
New Zealand captain Tim Southee expressed his feelings after the iconic Test win –
Tim Southee: Right up there. A special win to come back after being asked to follow-on. The guys will soak this up. The character showed by the guys has been very special. Try to stay as calm. Just give it your best shot. Great Test to be involved in. We couldn’t read much into the Day-Night Test. England were all class in the first two days. Number of guys to thank. The openers held it together in the second innings. Then Kane and Blundell. Neil has been doing this us for a long period of time. It came off for him at the right time. Great for Test cricket for all the guys that are here. Having Test matches like these is good for Tests going forward.
New Zealand won the toss and opt to bowl. England put on a commanding first innings total of 435-8 declared, thanks in large part to unbeaten centuries from Joe Root (153*) and Harry Brook (186). However, Matt Henry’s four-wicket haul limited the damage for the Kiwis.
In response, New Zealand’s first innings was anchored by captain Tim Southee, who scored a lightning fast 73, but Stuart Broad’s four-wicket haul kept them to 209 all out.
Following on, New Zealand produced a sensational comeback, with Kane Williamson leading the charge with a magnificent 132, well supported by Tom Latham (83) and Tom Blundell (90). Jack Leach took five wickets, but New Zealand managed to set England a target of 258 to win the match.
In their second innings, England were again carried by captain Joe Root, who made 95, but it was not enough as New Zealand held their nerve to secure a thrilling one-run victory. With this win, New Zealand manages 1-1 in the Test series. For his brilliant performance throughout the match, Kane Williamson is awarded the Player of the Match title.
