New Zealand are the finalists with 36 points from four matches of 75 runs before the start of the Wellington Test. he led the points twice. However, the 2021 WTC champion, which fell to second place with 60 points after 172 matches of defeat, had 3 wins and 2 defeats.
On the other hand, India ranks second with 62 points in 8 matches, while New Zealand is at the top of the list with 64.58 points. India won 5 matches, lost 2 and drew 1.
Meanwhile, Australia consolidated their place in third place with a convincing win over New Zealand thanks to Nathan Lyon’s six-wicket win. The fourth match of the fourth day. With the victory, the reigning champions gained 12 important points and increased their total points from 66 to 78. Australia have a record of 7 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw and their run rate has increased from 55 to 59.0
They have a chance to move up to second place if they win the second and final Test against New Zealand. England can still be at the top if they can beat India 3-1 in the Dharamshala Test, which starts on March 7.
The next Test between Australia and New Zealand will be held in Christchurch and the last Test is scheduled to start on March 8.
New Zealand’s target in the first Test was to win by 369 runs. Despite falling to 59/3 by one over, New Zealand responded with half-centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell. However, Nathan Lyon’s 6-wicket haul shocked New Zealand and they were bowled out for 196. Lyon performed well with figures of 6/65, supported by two wickets from Josh Hazlewood.
Australia were bowled out for 164 after extending their lead to 368 runs in the second innings. Nathan Lyon was the top scorer with 41 points, while Cameron Green, Travis Head and Usman Khawaja also contributed well. Glenn Phillips was named New Zealand’s leading bowler with 5/45, assisted by Matt Henry and Tim Southee.
Before the match, Australia was ahead by 204 points in the first match after eliminating New Zealand, while Zealand scored 179 points. Nathan Lyon again took the lead with 4/43, while Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh and Mitchell Starc contributed one wicket each.
After struggling for 7/211 in their first match, Australia were rescued by a superb performance from Cameron Green, who remained unbeaten on 174 and joined Josh Hazlewood and Hand for 116 runs. Henry took 5/70 for New Zealand.
Cameron Green was awarded the “Man of the Match” award for his best performance in the game.
