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NZ won by 1 run

8:40 AM IST: What a Test match we have had here at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The match turned from one way to another as New Zealand wins this game by the barest of margins. They win this by 1 run to end the series level at 1-1. England had their moments and so do did the Kiwis but it's the home team that holds their nerve to win the game.  

Chasing 258 for the win, England lost early wickets earlier in the day and was rescued by Joe Root who was the star. He scored 95 as he kept the chase going. While he was there, England were cruising. Stokes struggled for his 33 as he was battling a knee injury. Foakes tried his best for his 35. But it was just a bridge too far for England as they fell one run short of the target. 

Neil Wagner was the star with 4 wickets as he turned the game on its head. He was ably supported by Tim Southee who picked up 3 wickets. Matt Henry got a couple of wickets to his name as New Zealand comes from behind to win this epic Test match. 

Let us recap as to what happened through the course of this Test match. It was Tim Southee who won the toss and opted to bowl first. England came out all guns blazing and made 435/8 declared thanks to Harry Brook's 186 and Joe Root's unbeaten 153*. The rest of them chipped in as England went to a position of strength. Matt Henry picked up 4 wickets and was ably supported by Michael Bracewell who picked up a couple of wickets. Neil Wagner and Tim Southee chipped in with one each. 

In reply, New Zealand were bowled out for 209 with Tim Southee contributing with 73 off 49 balls.  Tom Blundell scored 38 while Latham and Nicholls got a few 30s to their name. Stuart Broad picked up 4 wickets while James Anderson and Jack Leach picked up 3 wickets apiece. Ollie Robinson went wicketless. 

England enforced the follow-on with a 226-run lead. But the New Zealand openers came out with fight and determination as they put up 149 runs for the first wicket. Latham scored 83 while Conway scored 61. But the star of the show was Kane Williamson who scored a majestic 132 and drove the innings forward. Daryl Mitchell chipped in with 54 while Tom Blundell scored a useful 90 and was the last man out as the Kiwis ended with 483 setting 258 for the win for England.

Jack Leach picked up 5 wickets and was the pick of the bowlers for England. Joe Root, Harry Brook, Stuart Broad, and Ollie Robinson picked up a wicket apiece. That meant England needed 258 for the win. 

The English went about their chase with both openers getting the starts but losing their wickets away. Some soft dismissals and drama ensued and in the end it was New Zealand who walked away with the win by a single run. What a game of cricket. Stick around for the post-match presentation ceremony. 

Neil Wagner: "Nervous man. Special win. Something we are proud of. What a game. We are chuffed. We are fighters and always fight for each other. They played well and better than us in Test 1. We found our way as Kane, Tom Latham they all played well. Yes, the short balls were dealt well by Harry Brook. So, it was good to get the rewards that I got today. What a game."   

Tom Blundell: "Saw the catch and took it well. Yes, this team keeps on fighting and we won in the end. It was a great battle. Kane was great and I did my bit supporting him. Happy with that. It was tough keeping challenging and I enjoyed the challenge out there." 

Kane Williamson (Player of the Match): "Thank you very much. Fantastic game to be a part of. To get the win is pleasing here. You want to always win and do well and I did my bit. There were valuable partnerships up there and we played incredible cricket to find a way to win is a nice feeling. Yes, I stuck to the processes and were competitive throughout. The pitch offered a bit throughout. Jack Leach bowled well. It was a great pitch to be honest. Yes, bad bounce there, but that happens." 

Harry Brook (Player of the Series): "It is bitter-sweet to be honest. A great cricket wicket and enjoyable feeling. I wouldn't say I am a bowler. Yes, glad to contribute for the win. Yes, that happens the run-out. I am happy with my form and I would have taken it. New Zealand were great and they deserve the win. Yes, I haven't thought about it yet. The Ashes is a long way ahead."

Ben Stokes (England Captain): "What a game of cricket. I was so mesmerised with what I saw. I think it was good. Wagner blew the game open and won the game. These things happen and it's ok we are playing good cricket. Not a lot. The bouncer plan was there. We had to go for it and did not come off. Credit to them as they deserve the win. The knee is bad here but it's ok. We have a massive series coming up. Disappointing to end like this. But winning 4/5 matches is great and I will take it with both hands."      

Tim Southee (New Zealand Captain): "This is right up there with the greatest Tests that we played. This is amazing to say the least. Let this sink in. It's a special Test win and the character we have shown in amazing to see. I will cherish the win. We were calm out there and we gave our best. We would have lost, we would have lost. But I am happy with the win. We could not read too much into Day-Night tests. First two days, they were better than us. But we hung in there and bounced back in some style. This is a typical Kiwi scrapping from us. Yes, Neil had a massive impact doing that and he trusted his best method and it came off. Just stick to the basics. I thought it's great for Test cricket. The way England is playing is good for Test cricket and this is a Test match that we are proud to be a part of. We will take this win and Test cricket needs such matches in the future."      

Tim Southee and Ben Stokes gets the trophy from former England captain and great commentator David Gower as they pose for photographs. The series ends in a stalemate at 1-1. 

So, that's a wrap on this Test match and the series which ends 1-1 in this 2- Test series. Thank you for being with us and we will catch you in the next series. Stick around for more cricketing action across the globe in our network across formats. For now, this is Ayan Chatterjee signing off on behalf of my co-commentator Srivathsa alongside scorer/analyst Zeeshan Naiyer. Stay safe, happy, and cool. Goodbye and CHEERS!