New Zealand wins the first World Test Championship.

Southampton: New Zealand won the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) on Wednesday, defeating India by eight wickets in a nail-biting final at the Ageas Bowl.

The weather-delayed final marked the end of the WTC’s two-year cycle, which began in 2019 with the goal of creating Test cricket’s pinnacle event.

New Zealand romped home in the final session of the reserve day, which was activated to make up for lost time in the first five days, chasing 139 for victory in a low-scoring match.

New Zealand became Test cricket’s first official world champions, with captain Kane Williamson unbeaten on 52 and Ross Taylor on 47.

Their all-seam attack set up the win by bowling out India for 217 and 170 in a game that was delayed by two days due to rain.

New Zealand has lost the last two 50-over World Cup finals.

“Certainly it’s a very special feeling. After a couple of close ones (in ICC finals), nice to get one under the belt,” Williamson said at the presentation ceremony.

“I’ve been part of (New Zealand cricket) for a short while, but it’s a very special feeling, the first time in our history we’ve come away with a world title.”

The win was also a fitting send-off for their wicketkeeper BJ Watling, who is retiring after this game.

India captain Virat Kohli blamed his team’s defeat on their batting on the final morning.

“We did really well with the ball to pull things back nicely,” he explained. “But I think this morning was the difference.”

“The Kiwi bowlers executed their plans flawlessly, putting us under pressure and preventing scoring opportunities.”

“I believe we fell 30-40 runs short of putting them under serious pressure in the final innings.”

Kyle Jamieson of New Zealand, who took his fifth five-wicket haul in his eighth Test, was named player of the match.

New Zealand won the ICC Test Championship mace and $1.6 million.