ICC WTC 2019-21 Final: New Zealand Beat India at Southampton — First-Ever WTC Champions
The ICC World Test Championship 2019-21 Final was played between India and New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl (Rose Bowl), Southampton, England, from 18-23 June 2021. New Zealand won by 8 wickets — the first-ever World Test Championship title. The match was rain-affected and extended by a reserve day. Kyle Jamieson took 5/31 in India's second innings and was named Player of the Match. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson scored 49 in New Zealand's first innings chase target of 139. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja took most of India's wickets but could not prevent a New Zealand victory. The WTC was established to create context for all Test cricket and decide the world's best Test team across a two-year cycle.
The ICC World Test Championship was launched in 2019 as a two-year competition to create context for all Test cricket. Each of the nine participating Test nations played a number of bilateral series, earning points for wins and draws. The top two nations at the end of the two-year cycle would play a final. The 2019-21 WTC featured 71 Test matches across various series. India topped the standings at the end of the cycle, with New Zealand in second — setting up a final between India and New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton in June 2021.
A Rain-Affected Final and the Reserve Day
The final, scheduled for 5 days from 18-22 June, was significantly affected by rain — the first two days lost substantial playing time. A reserve day (23 June) was scheduled to compensate. India were bowled out for 217 in the first innings (Jamieson 5/31 in India's second innings). New Zealand scored 249 in response. India's second innings saw Kyle Jamieson again take 5 wickets — 5 for 31 — as India were bowled out for 170. New Zealand needed just 139 to win. Kane Williamson scored 52 not out as New Zealand won by 8 wickets on the reserve day.
New Zealand Crowned First WTC Champions
New Zealand's victory at Southampton on 23 June 2021 made them the first-ever ICC World Test Championship champions. Kane Williamson's captaincy throughout the WTC cycle and in the final was praised for its tactical intelligence. Kyle Jamieson, in only his sixth Test, was Player of the Match — his 7 wickets across the final at an average of 9 were decisive. New Zealand's seamers (Jamieson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner) were excellent in English conditions. The win gave New Zealand — a small cricket nation with fewer resources than India, England, or Australia — one of the sport's highest honours.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the first-ever ICC World Test Championship?
New Zealand won the first-ever ICC World Test Championship (2019-21 Final), defeating India by 8 wickets at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton on 23 June 2021. Kyle Jamieson took 5 for 31 in India's second innings and was named Player of the Match. New Zealand needed just 139 to win the final; Kane Williamson scored 52 not out.
Why was the ICC WTC 2019-21 Final extended by a reserve day?
The ICC World Test Championship 2019-21 Final at Southampton was significantly affected by rain, with the first two days of the scheduled five-day match losing substantial playing time. A reserve day (23 June) had been built into the schedule to allow for weather disruptions. New Zealand won on the reserve day, chasing 139 for an 8-wicket victory.