India qualify for WTC final as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka

India have qualified for the World Test Championship final set to be played against Australia in June courtesy of New Zealand's two-wicket win against Sri Lanka in the first Test at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.  

India have qualified for the World Test Championship final!

They'll take on Australia at The Oval for the #WTC23 mace!

More: https://t.co/75Ojgct97X pic.twitter.com/ghOOL4oVZB

— ICC (@ICC) March 13, 2023

Despite rain playing spoilsport in the early part of day five, New Zealand were powered through in the 285-run chase by Kane Williamson's unbeaten 121 and Daryl Mitchell's blistering 81 off 86 deliveries. 

The match went all the way down to the wire, with New Zealand needing one off the final delivery. A short-pitched delivery from Asitha Fernando resulted in  Williamson missing the pull stroke, but Neil Wagner ran through for a bye, giving New Zealand a famous win.

Even if Sri Lanka win the second Test, they will finish below India irrespective of the outcome of the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Ahmedabad. 

The final of the World Test Championship will be held at the Oval starting on June 7, with last-time finalists India hoping to get a step ahead in the summit clash.