Mohammed Shami’s artistry was on full display but New Zealand still managed to take a crucial 32-run lead after scoring 249 on the fifth day of the World Test Championship final against India on Tuesday. More than the quantum of the first innings lead, New Zealand will gain psychological advantage as their seam attack can go for the kill on the final day to force a result. New Zealand showed more intent on keeping the scoreboard ticking with Kyle Jamieson (21) and Tim Southee (30) throwing their bats around for useful runs which certainly put the pressure back on India going into the final session of the day.
India lost openers Shubman Gill (8) and Rohit Sharma (30) in the final session but Cheteshwar Pujara (12*) and Virat Kohli (8*) ensured that no further damage was done as India ended their second innings on Day 5 of the WTC Final at 64/2, taking a marginal 32-run lead.
Earlier, India pacers led by Mohammed Shami (4/76) wrapped up New Zealand's first innings at 249. Skipper Kane Williamson (49) led the Kiwis from the front as they took a small 32-run lead. Along with Shami, Ishant Sharma (3/48), Ashwin (2/28) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/20) also chipped in with wickets to restrict New Zealand. Jasprit Bumrah once again had an off day today as he ended the first innings wicketless. Post the tea break, Rohit and Gill got off to a steady start, adding 24 runs in 10.3 overs but then the latter was undone by a perfect delivery from Tim Southee. Towards the fag end of day, Rohit misjudged an in-swinger from Southee to hand him his second wicket of the session. With just one day remaining in the Test now (added reserve day), a draw seems the most likely scenario unless one of the either two teams suffer a dramatic collapse on the final day.
The tea break was called after the fall of last New Zealand wicket. Mohammed Shami (4/76), after a mesmerising morning spell, got a couple of more wickets in the post-lunch session. He dismissed Colin de Grandhomme with a delivery angled in and Jamieson with a bouncer. During the final half-an-hour, India’s senior-most player Ishant Sharma (3/48) denied half-century to a dogged skipper Kane Williamson (49) with a classic Test match dismissal - delivery rearing up and shaping out which was edged to Virat Kohli at third slip.
