At Wellington’s Basin Reserve on Tuesday, New Zealand defeated England in the second Test by 1 run to tie the two-game series at one apiece. Significantly, the hosts were compelled to play the extra innings after being run out for 209 in response to England’s 435/8 victory in their first innings. The Black Caps are now just the third team to triumph in a Test despite being forced to play a follow-on thanks to the victory. This win is considered to be the rarest of all time in test cricket.
Incredible scenes at the Basin Reserve. A thrilling end to the 2nd Test in Wellington 🏏 #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/tyG7laNtdP
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 28, 2023
Only four times in the history of Tests ever a team won after being asked to follow on. While India defeated Australia in 2001, England achieved it twice, first in 1894 and once in 1981.
Rewinding to the Wellington Test, the Tim Southee-led team had given England a 258-run win goal. The English team just needed two runs to win, but the game was close. But, the visitors were bundled out for 256 when James Anderson, the last man, was caught down the leg side off Neil Wagner.
After this massive win by New Zealand, twitter got engaged with various tweets, wishes and comments. As the Kiwi’s with this win just not have tied the series but also created many records, Former Cricketers and fans have congratulated, expressed their happiness and emotions on social media regarding the victory.
Results in Test matches that were won after being made to follow on…
Sydney, 1894: England won by 10 runs
Leeds, 1981: England won by 18 runs
Kolkata, 2001: India won by 171 runs
Wellington, 2023: New Zealand won by 1 run#ENGvsNZ #NZvsENG— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) February 28, 2023
The kiwis have put an end to the steam train of #BazBall . NZ WIN BY 1 RUN. Lion hearted effort by the NZ bowlers restrict them to under 258 in the final innings after being asked to follow on earlier. What a test match! #NZvENG
— Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav) February 28, 2023
In the tweets, the match was also mentioned to be one of the best matches ever and fans also considered test cricket as one of the greatest formats of all.
