The 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, held at Lord’s, pitted two teams with contrasting approaches: New Zealand, masters of adaptability and disciplined swing bowling, and India, who combined spin guile with aggressive batting. The match captivated purists and casual fans alike, highlighting the enduring allure of Test cricket. From the moment the teams took the field under a leaden London sky, it was clear that conditions would play a significant role. The pitch offered gentle movement on day one but promised to deteriorate by days four and five, raising questions about selection and strategy.

New Zealand, having learned from their 2023 defeat to India in the WTC final, opted for a balanced attack. They selected three seamers – Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Matt Henry – along with off‑spinner Michael Bracewell. India, meanwhile, surprised observers by leaving out a second spinner and playing three quicks alongside Ravindra Jadeja. Critics questioned whether this was wise given Lord’s reputation for assisting seam early and spin later. India’s decision hinged on the trust placed in Mohammed Shami, who had returned to full fitness after a six‑month layoff. Shami justified the gamble, producing a masterclass in seam bowling to remove Tom Latham and Kane Williamson cheaply.

Batting first, New Zealand were bundled out for 198, thanks largely to Shami’s incisive spell of 4 for 29. Their innings would have been worse had Daryl Mitchell not produced a counter‑attacking 67, driving through the covers and lofting Jadeja over mid‑on. In reply, India weathered a fiery opening burst from Boult to reach 312, with Virat Kohli scoring a gritty 89 that combined watchful defence with occasional disdainful pulls. The partnership between Kohli and Shubman Gill (102) was particularly crucial; they navigated testing periods when the ball seamed and swung. Gill’s hundred was his first at Lord’s and signalled his growing stature.

As the match progressed, the pendulum swung repeatedly. New Zealand fought back through Henry, whose persistent line outside off stump induced edges from India’s lower order. An astute declaration from Williamson left India chasing 178 on a day‑five pitch offering unpredictable bounce. For a moment, New Zealand sniffed victory when Boult dismissed Rohit Sharma early and a Matt Henry delivery jagged back to bowl Gill. Enter Cheteshwar Pujara, often criticised for his low strike rate but valued for his grit. Pujara absorbed pressure, blunting Southee’s swing and nudging singles. Rishabh Pant added a breezy 32, using the reverse sweep to disrupt Bracewell. In the end, India crossed the line with three wickets to spare, winning their first WTC title under darkening skies.

Beyond the result, the final showcased strategic depth. New Zealand’s decision to bat first was debated; some felt they misread the pitch, while others argued they backed their strengths. India’s bold selection was vindicated, reinforcing that taking calculated risks can pay off. The match also highlighted the importance of adaptability – adjusting to conditions, reading sessions and maintaining composure under pressure. The spectacle at Lord’s drew a near‑capacity crowd and high viewership globally, reinforcing that Test cricket remains relevant when marketed effectively. For the ICC, the final’s success provided momentum to push for a dedicated Test window in the international calendar.