NZ vs ENG: New Zealand become 1st team after India in 22 years to achieve almost impossible feat

Tim Soue's New Zealand team earned two places in international cricket history with its dramatic, one-run comeback win over England in second test.

It was only fourth team after England (in 1894 and 1981) and India (in 2001) to win a test match after being forced to follow-on and only second after West Indies to win by a margin of one run.

New Zealand also was part of one of most tense final days of a test match when at various times both teams h victory in ir grasp and even a rare tie seemed possible. At start of Day 5, a New Zealand win seemed most unlikely of all possible scenarios: it h lost series-opening match by 267 runs and been forced to follow-on 226 runs behind in second test.

New Zealand was depleted: its bowling lineup depended heavily on new ball pair of Tim Soue and Matt Henry in absence of Trent Boult and Kyle Jamieson.

Neil Wagner h been demoted from new ball role he h in first test but it was pugnacious bowler who h foremost role on last day when he took four wickets and held three catches.

New Zealand now can rest after saving its unbeaten run in test series at home which stretches back to 2017.

England will return home to regroup for Ashes series against Australia in July. But it no longer is heing into that series with almost juggernaut momentum after coming to end of a six-test winning streak.

On a day of constant twists and turns Tuesday, Joe Root scored 95 in a partnership of 121 with Ben Stokes (33) which appeared to have secured England's victory and a 2-0 win in two-match series.

Root and Stokes were out within a run of each or with 56 runs still needed and match which h been heing England's way tilted back in favor of New Zealand with seven wickets down.

Wicketkeeper Ben Foakes n me 35, facing down New Zealand attack and shepherding tailenders to get England within seven runs of victory before his dismissal triggered anor twist.

No. 11 James Anderson clubbed a boundary off Wagner which left England two runs from a match and series victory. n in last, dramatic moment, Anderson was caught down leg side by a diving Tom Blundell from bowling of Wagner.

In a defining comeback for Wagner and his short-pitch bowling, he returned figures of 4-62 and was instrumental in win.

“It's a special win this and we'll celebrate what is an amazing achievement,” Wagner said. “I think it's just character of team. We love to fight for one anor, find a way and keep on doing hard yards out re." grassy banks of Wellington's Basin Reserve were crowded on a workday Tuesday to see denouement of an alrey extraordinary match.

For second time in series, Stokes me an assertive first innings declaration with England 435-9. England n bowled out New Zealand for only 209 to take a 226-run first innings le.

Stokes chose to enforce follow-on with his attack having bowled 53.2 overs and second innings became an ordeal as Kane Williamson me 132 and New Zealand batted more than 160 overs to post 483, setting England 258 to win.

England came into final day at 48-1, still needing 210 runs but with odds on its side and 103 overs in day. Under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum and so-called Bazball approach to game, England has won six tests while chasing, notably scoring 378 to beat India at Birmingham last year.

But when New Zealand took four wickets in first hour, equilibrium of match was disturbed. England lost nightwatchman Ollie Robinson, Ben Duckett and n Ollie Pope and Harry Brook -- run out without facing a ball — to slip to 80-5.

Brook's wicket was crucial after he me 186 in first innings for his fourth century in five tests.

Root and Stokes seemed to have repaired England innings but Wagner's double blow to dismiss m both in consecutive overs was yet anor turning point. Foakes' diligent innings ensured a thrilling finish as upper hand in match passed moment by moment from one team to or. Even England's Barmy Army of fans was largely rendered silent as y watched action in almost breathless tension. (AP) PTI TAP TAP