New Zealand on Wednesday (June 23) created history as they thrashed India by 8 wickets to clinch the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) title in Southampton.

The Kiwi pacers decimated the Indian batting line-up on the reserve sixth day, bowling them out for a paltry 170 in the second innings.

Chasing 139 in the fourth innings, New Zealand rode on skipper Kane Williamson’s 52 not out and Ross Taylor’s unbeaten 47 to overhaul the target with 7.1 overs left in the day.

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Elated with the win, Williamson said: “It's a special feeling. It's nice to get one under the belt. I'd like to thank Virat and the Indian team. The heart that our team showed was commendable. It's the first time we have come away with a world title, and the 22 players who played a big part in getting across the line deserve all the appreciation. This will be remembered for a long time.”

“We don't always have all the stars, and we saw that in this match. We saw so much heart and commitment. We know how strong the Indian side is, in all conditions. It's a fickle game, in a one-off final. It ebbed and flowed, no one really had the upper hand for six days, and I'm happy we're on the right side of it,” he added while speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Williamson also praised his lower order for scoring valuable runs in the first innings when they were tottering at 192/7.

“It was certainly tough going in the first innings. The lower order played with more freedom and got us a lead that gave us an edge. Ross is obviously very experienced and calm in these situations and it was great to be with him right there at the end,” he said.

The BlackCaps captain also joked that wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling may not retire after this monumental achievement.

“I don't know if he's retiring any more actually (jokes). He's a scrappy player, so this is a fitting end to a fantastic career for BJ Watling,” he concluded.