"new-zealand"

An incredibly tight game saw the Black Caps bowl out India for 170 in the second innings, leaving them 139 to chase for victory at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday.

There are a lot of ifs and buts in another of India’s failed attempts to cross the last hurdle

Williamson termed their final win over India as the "pinnacle" but stop short of calling it the country's biggest achievement in the game.

It can be safely assumed that some of the seniors will be on borrowed time and only a stellar performance in the five-Test series against England in August can secure their futures.

India lost the 2014 T20 World Cup final to Sri Lanka, the 2015 50-over World Cup to Australia, the 2016 T20 World Cup semi-final to West Indies, the 2017 Champions Trophy final to Pakistan, and the 2019 50-over World Cup semi-final to New Zealand.

This is an apt redemption for New Zealand, who had lost the final of the last two 50-over World Cups, in 2015 and 2019

However, New Zealand pacer Tim Southee said none of the players are aware of any such incident.

New Zealand showed more intent on keeping the scoreboard ticking with Kyle Jamieson (21) and Tim Southee (30) throwing their bats around for useful runs.

Shami (18-8-31-2) found the ideal fuller 'English length' right away while Ishant Sharma (20-9-27-2), coming for his second spell, was also penetrative.

Only 141.2 overs of play has been possible in the past four days due to rain and wet outfield.

Rain is not forecast for the remaining two days of the big final but it is likely to remain overcast as it has been the case so far when play did take place.

After the entire first day's play was washed out, the second day witnessed 64.4 overs being bowled while 76.3 overs was sent down between the two teams on the third day on Sunday.

New Zealand were in a strong position at 101 for two wickets, replying to India's first-innings' 217

India captain Virat Kohli was unbeaten on 35 off 94 deliveries while his deputy Ajinkya Rahane was on 13 off 54 deliveries as they battled it out against a disciplined New Zealand, who had won the toss and elected to bowl.

"A legacy that inspired a whole nation to aim for excellence. To never give up and chase your dreams. Rest in Peace #MilkhaSingh ji. You will never be forgotten," Kohli shared a picture of him

As per ICC playing conditions, the reserve sixth day can now come into effect

"Our vaccination program is ahead of plan, with nearly 1 million doses administered and operating at 107 per cent of target," Xinhua news agency quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

"If we win, cricket will not stop and if we lose also, cricket won't stop. We are playing in quest of excellence and understand who we are as a team," the eloquent Indian captain added.

New Zealand, who are usually seen as the underdogs going into a big event, have been touted as favourites for the WTC final beginning on Friday.

The team picked two specialist spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin, who are also more than handy with the bat.