Southampton: After rain-hit days of cricket, the world test final will see the inaugural winner till Wednesday night. However, all three results are possible as the test match has seen the quality of cricket from both sides. At present India has lost both openers at 64 with a lead of 32 runs. Tim sothee has trapped both Rohit Sharma (30) and Shubhman Gill (8) leg before the wicket.
Earlier Indian bowlers put up a great show after a break of 24 hours. Mohammad Shami was the pick of the bowlers who rattled the kiwi middle order and scalped 4 wickets by giving on 62 runs. The Newzealand tailed wagged a bit and went past India's score of 217 but failed to touch 250 runs.
The probability of a draw is the highest at this moment but both the finalist have ample time to go for a win. From Newzealand's perspective, the bowler will have to repeat the performance they had put on Sunday. Wickets in quick succession will give them an edge and a less than 100 runs target will be gettable.
While India has to perform out of skin to pull this out. The batsman needs to play an aggressive brand of cricket which will also require a reshuffling in the batting order. Much will depend on the southpaw Rishabh Pant who has essayed the role of a finisher for team India. The Indian team will look to score big in less time. Kohli and company will look to give a target of 180 runs in 55 overs to kiwis if the weather allows smooth proceedings today. (WD)
