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Kolkata Knight Riders

about a year ago

We are about to enter the final day of the World Test Championship final and the excitement is plenty as any result can sill be possible. After an incredible fightback from India, New Zealand were bowled out for 249 runs in their first innings. At stumps, India were 64/2 in their second innings at the Hampshire Bowl, leading India by 32 runs.

Shubman Gill (8) and Rohit Sharma (30) were the ones to lose their wickets in the last session of the day. Virat Kohli (8*) and Cheteshwar Pujara (12*) are unbeaten at the crease to take the proceedings forward on the reserve day.

New Zealand started their day on 101/2 and rode on a patient and sensible 49 from skipper Kane Williamson and an attacking 30 from Tim Southee to take a 32-run lead in the first innings. The Kiwi tail put up a strong fight as they contributed 57 runs for the last 3 wickets.

Md Shami was the pick of the Indian bowlers with 4/76. He bowled a lot fuller on Day 5 to force the Kiwi batsmen to go for their shots. Ishant Sharma, too, impressed, returning 3-48 and taking the crucial wicket of Williamson.

The Indians were brilliant on the field as well. Shubman Gill's stunning diving catch to dismiss Ross Taylor for 11 underlines the athleticism of the current bunch of players.

The final day's weather will have a huge role to play in the match's outcome. India, in all probability, will look to post a 250+ run target for the New Zealand batters to be in with a chance of a win.