Birmingham, June 13

New Zealand crushed hosts England by eight wickets in the second and final Test today to seal a 1-0 series win after chasing down a target of 38 runs on the fourth day at Edgbaston here.

The result meant New Zealand, who thoroughly outplayed the hosts in the match, secured a first Test series win in England since 1999 and only their third overall in the country. The series win would be a confidence-booster for the New Zealanders before the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India.

England had been reduced to 122/9 at stumps on Day 3 with a slender lead of 37 runs and Olly Stone was caught behind off Trent Boult on the first ball of the day today, leaving the visitors on the verge of a famous victory.

New Zealand lost Devon Conway for three before Will Young (8) played a ball on to his stumps to leave the visitors at 33/2. But stand-in skipper Tom Latham (23 not out), who went past 4,000 runs in Test cricket during his knock, guided the team to 41/2 in 10.5 overs.

Latham praised the squad’s depth after they came into the contest having made six changes from the drawn first Test at Lord’s. “It’s great to have that performance under the belt. We were outstanding over the four days, everyone who came in did their roles,” Latham said.

NZ climb past India

New Zealand dislodged India from the top spot in the ICC Test team rankings after the win. They have 123 points against India’s 121 in the latest rankings. — Agencies