Neil Wagner of New Zealand clinched a thrilling victory over England on the fifth day of the second Test match in Wellington, bringing the series to even terms. His left-arm pace bowling saw off James Anderson as New Zealand emerged triumphant by a single run, delighting the ecstatic crowd at Basin Reserve.
England started the final day with a headstart as they ended up the fourth day at a solid score of 48-1 in 11 overs, chasing 258. However, they lost four wickets within the first hour of the fifth day, including Harry Brook, who departed for a duck following a mix-up with Joe Root. Root and captain Ben Stokes put together a much-needed 121-run partnership to restore some hope for England. Despite losing eight wickets, England had calmed themselves with a 36-run partnership between Leach and Ben Foakes. With seven runs required, Tim Southee returned to bounce out Foakes, but Anderson kept the English team in the game with a boundary in the next over.
Nevertheless, Wagner had other plans. Wagner’s short-pitched deliveries eventually broke the game in favour of New Zealand. Wagner was on a roll, having already taken three wickets to take England out of contention. In the 75th over, came the winning moment; Anderson, the last batsman, gloved a short-pitched delivery towards the leg side just as Tom Blundell swooped in to take the catch. All the while, Jack Leach kept a cool head at the other end, remaining unbeaten with 1 off 31 balls.
