India qualify for WTC final

Ahmedabad, Mar. 14: A tame draw against Australia was enough for India to qualify for the World Test Championship final on Monday, thanks to a more exciting finish in New Zealand. The result in Ahmedabad meant India won the four-test series 2-1 and reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which it has held since 2017.

That series margin would only put India into the WTC final if Sri Lanka failed to win its two-test series in New Zealand 2-0, and the Kiwis managed to win the first test on the last ball in a thrilling finish at Christchurch.

That means India will face Australia again in the WTC final at the Oval in London from June 7-11.

Australia had confirmed its qualification after winning the third test in Indore by nine wickets. India had earlier won the first two tests — in Nagpur by an innings and 132 runs, and in Delhi by six wickets — to maintain its grasp on the series trophy.

In contrast to the drama at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, Ahmedabad witnessed a sedate day five.

At close of play, Australia had reached 175-2 in its second innings. It had scored 480 runs in the first innings, to which India replied with 571.

NZ beat Sri Lanka 

Kane Williamson and Neil Wagner stole a bye from the last ball of the first cricket test Monday to beat Sri Lanka by two wickets and emphasize New Zealand's aptitude for extraordinary test match victories.

Only two weeks after New Zealand beat England by a single run at the Basin Reserve, the Black Caps again played a part in one of the most incredible finishes in test match history.

Rain seemed to have wrecked the final day of the match in Christchurch when it prevented play in the scheduled first two sessions. When it cleared the umpires announced a single extended session in which New Zealand needed 257 runs to win and Sri Lanka needed nine wickets.

A winning result seemed impossible though the session was extended to at least 52 overs and more than 3-1/2 hours. In what turned into a 50-overs match, then a 20-overs match, Williamson made an unbeaten 121 to guide New Zealand to victory.

A limpid rainbow hung over Hagley Park as the players came out in the late afternoon to play out the last chapter of an absorbing match. The Sri Lanka fielders were shielding their eyes against the setting sun as the last overs were bowled and darkness engulfed the ground just as the players left the field.

New Zealand needed 131 runs off the last 20 overs, then 101 off the last 15 with Williamson steering the innings.

Williamson had support from Daryl Mitchell, who made 102 in the first innings and produced another crucial innings of 81 on Monday, accelerating New Zealand's scoring rate. (AP)