SA-born Wagner stars as New Zealand beat England by 1 run in Test thriller

New Zealand beat England by just one run in a second-Test thriller on Tuesday to draw the series in the most dramatic fashion in Wellington.

The hosts became only the fourth team to win a Test after being asked to follow on.

South African-born Neil Wagner took the decisive wicket of James Anderson when New Zealand wicketkeeper Tom Blundell pulled off a diving catch at the Basin Reserve to seal a memorable, nail-biting triumph.

The hosts had fought back to set a confident England a target of 258 runs to win, but the visitors were all out for 256 as the two-Test series finished 1-1.

"Amazing achievement, hats off to everyone, everyone kept fighting," said bowler Wagner, who finished with 4-62.

"That's the characteristics of this team, they (England) played well - credit where it's due - but we found a way of contributing."

What a finish in Wellington as Neil Wagner dismisses James Anderson to ensure New Zealand register a famous one-run victory over England ??#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/g0bjxVYbkH

England skipper Ben Stokes was disappointed to have lost but happy to have played his part in the drama.

"That game is what Test cricket is about - the emotions we were going through and the Kiwi boys as well," he said.

"Everyone's got their money's worth today."

It was the first time New Zealand won a Test after being forced to follow-on. England had managed it twice, against Australia in 1894 and 1981, while India beat Australia in 2001.

A topsy-turvy Test match swung back to New Zealand during the final two gripping days.

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'Pretty happy'

England were on course for victory after declaring their first innings on 435-8, then bowling out New Zealand for 209.

Former