The Indian Cricket Team has retained the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test Rankings. This was achieved after defeating top-placed New Zealand in the home series. India won the second test match of the series comprehensively by defeating New Zealand by 372 runs. The team celebrated the victory with smiles and Shreyas Iyer lifted the trophy at his home ground, the Wankhede Stadium. With this victory, India has also gained a stable position in the World Test Championship Table. Jayant Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Mayank Agarwal were the top performers of the match. Here is a look: –
India Defeats New Zealand in Second Test Match: –
The game began with Ajaz Patel and Mayank Agarwal being the stars for New Zealand and India respectively. Ajaz Patel wrote his name down in history books when he scalped all 10 wickets of the Indian Cricket Team in the first innings. Mayank Agarwal on the other handheld his ground to score a gritty 150 runs off 311 balls. Mayank Agarwal with this performance has made sure that his contention for being the opener becomes strong.
In the first innings of New Zealand’s batting, Mohammad Siraj showed his magic with the red ball scalping 3 wickets. This torment was taken further by Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel. New Zealand ended with a mere 62 runs in their second innings.
India batted decently well in their second innings. Mayank Agarwal scored another 62 runs. A 47-run inning of Virat Kohli and a few good strong hits from Axar Patel took India to 276/7. India declared with New Zealand having to score 530 runs to win or save the test match.
Ravichandran Ashwin spun a web around the Kiwis in the second innings as well. By the end of 3rd day’s play, New Zealand had already lost their 5 batsmen. The 4th Day morning started on a sour note for India. Jayant Yadav looked to be going off his length as he was taken for runs. But Jayant made an impressive comeback and scalped 4 of the remaining wickets.
Mayank Agarwal was “Man of the Match”, while Ravichandran Ashwin was adjudged “Man of the Series”.
Indian Cricket Team is the No. 1 Test Team: –
With this performance, the Indian Cricket Team has won their position at the top of the ICC Test Rankings. With 3465 points and with a rating of 124 points Indian Cricket Team is ranked number 1. Behind India are the Black Caps with 3021 Points and a rating of 121.
