New Zealand and England’s second Test came down to an exciting final run, and the Kiwis managed to win by just one run. New Zealand had given England a goal of 258 runs to win the game on the final day after being asked to follow on. 

However, when Joe Root and Ben Stokes were in the centre and putting on a 121-run partnership, the visitors appeared to be well on their way to victory.

Neil Wagner then stepped up for the Kiwis at that crucial moment. Before holding onto two important catches in the deep to dismiss Stuart Broad and Ben Foakes, the left-arm pacer, who had already taken four wickets in the game, dismissed both Root and Stokes.

James Anderson smashed a boundary off Wagner to reduce the equation to four runs off three balls with just two runs still required for victory. 

The Kiwi pacer, however, emerged victorious when he bowled Anderson down the leg side to give his squad an unforgettable victory.

The fact that New Zealand had been asked to follow on made the victory even more noteworthy because it was only the fourth time in the annals of Test cricket that a team had triumphed after being asked to do so. 

The West Indies victory over Australia in Adelaide in 1993 was the first occasion a team had won a Test by a solitary run.

The win resulted in a 1-1 draw in the two-match Test series between the two teams, with England having won the opening match in Mount Maunganui by a score of 267 runs. For the Kiwi fans, who saw one of the most thrilling finishes to a Test match in recent memory, the second Test, however, will be recalled for years to come.

There were many heroes for the Kiwi squad that day, with Wagner’s heroics being the most notable display. But Tim Southee, who claimed five wickets in the first innings, and BJ Watling, whose valiant 50 in the second innings helped secure the win, also deserve praise.

Overall, the second Test between England and New Zealand was a memorable game that will be remembered for its exhilarating finish. Tim Southee’s five-wicket haul, BJ Watling’s tenacious innings, and Neil Wagner’s heroics with the bat and ball all contributed to New Zealand’s historic win. 

The game also marked the second time a team won a Test by a single run and the fourth time in the annals of Test cricket that a team won a match after being asked to follow on. For years to come, both teams’ supporters will treasure their recollections of this thrilling game.

NZ vs ENG: Twitter Reactions

Walsh, Harmison, Wagner: three of the closest Tests all ending with a keeper catch down the leg side with a fast bowler mouth agape, running at a diagonal, being enveloped by the whole team. Photographic!

— Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) February 28, 2023

Amazing how it’s Wagner. It’s always Neil Wagner #NzvEng https://t.co/Stgy5B2Huu

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 28, 2023

That Blundell falling appeal…
That James Anderson realisation moment…
That Neil Wagner's screaming celebration…

What a finish! Test cricket is theatre. #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/sdCVf6rcA7

— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) February 28, 2023

In the first Test, Neil Wagner finished with the second-worst economy rate in an innings in the history of Test cricket (min. 10 overs).

In the second, he bowled New Zealand to one of the greatest Test victories of all time.

Guts.#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/v61IoiBZfT

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 28, 2023

Headingley 2014: Eranga got Anderson when 1 ball left in the Test.

Wellington 2023: Wagner got Anderson when England needs 2 run to win the Test. pic.twitter.com/XMOdZxK44c

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 28, 2023

https://twitter.com/cricketingview/status/1630409645524393984?s=20

Neil Wagner is Courtney Walsh. https://t.co/A3xfclLTZo

— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton) February 28, 2023