ICC World Cup 2019 Final: Full Match Highlights & Analysis

by Jhon Lennon 59 views

Hey cricket fans! Let’s dive deep into one of the most thrilling and unforgettable cricket matches in history: the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 final between England and New Zealand. This wasn't just a game; it was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, skill, and sheer drama that had the entire world on the edge of their seats. So, grab your favorite snack, and let’s relive every heart-stopping moment of this epic encounter!

The Road to the Final: England and New Zealand's Journey

Before we jump into the nail-biting action of the final, let's quickly recap how both England and New Zealand made their way to the hallowed grounds of Lord’s.

  • England: As the host nation and one of the pre-tournament favorites, England had a bit of a bumpy ride in the group stages. They started strong but faced unexpected losses, which put them under immense pressure. However, the English team showed their mettle, bouncing back with crucial wins to secure their place in the semi-finals. Their dominant performance against Australia in the semi-final showcased their intent to lift the trophy.

  • New Zealand: The Kiwi team, known for their resilience and tactical prowess, had a more consistent run in the group stages. They quietly went about their business, securing key victories and displaying their teamwork. Their semi-final clash against India was a masterclass in pressure-handling, ultimately earning them a spot in the final. New Zealand proved that they were not to be taken lightly, setting the stage for an exciting final.

The Toss and First Innings: New Zealand Sets the Stage

The atmosphere at Lord's was electric. The toss, always a crucial moment, went in favor of New Zealand, and captain Kane Williamson elected to bat first. This decision put the pressure on the Kiwi batsmen to set a competitive total.

New Zealand's innings was characterized by a cautious but steady approach. Openers Martin Guptill and Henry Nicholls aimed to build a solid foundation, but the English bowlers kept them in check with tight lines and disciplined bowling. Nicholls played a patient innings, trying to anchor the innings, while Guptill struggled to find his rhythm.

Kane Williamson, the ever-reliable captain, came in and contributed a valuable knock, adding stability to the innings. However, the English bowlers, particularly Chris Woakes and Liam Plunkett, bowled with great accuracy and picked up crucial wickets to prevent New Zealand from accelerating. The Kiwi middle order found it difficult to break free, and the runs came at a premium.

New Zealand eventually finished with a total of 241/8 in their 50 overs. While it wasn't a massive score, it was defendable, especially with their strong bowling attack. The pressure was now on England to chase down the total and lift the trophy on home soil. The first innings was all about New Zealand's resilience against England's disciplined bowling attack.

England's Chase: Ups and Downs

Chasing 242, England's innings began with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The English openers, Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow, looked to start aggressively, but New Zealand's bowlers had other plans. Matt Henry struck early, removing Roy and putting immediate pressure on the English batting lineup.

Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root then tried to rebuild the innings, but the Kiwi bowlers maintained tight control, making it difficult for England to score freely. Root, known for his calm and composed demeanor, fell victim to the pressure, getting dismissed at a crucial moment.

The middle order, including captain Eoin Morgan, also struggled to find their footing. The New Zealand bowlers, led by Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry, kept chipping away at the wickets, putting England in a precarious situation. Ben Stokes, however, emerged as the key figure in England's chase. He played a determined and gritty innings, holding the innings together and keeping England's hopes alive.

As the innings progressed, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Wickets continued to fall, but Stokes found valuable support from Jos Buttler. The pair added crucial runs, bringing England closer to the target. The equation came down to needing a handful of runs in the final overs, setting the stage for an unforgettable climax.

The Thrilling Final Overs and Super Over Drama

The final few overs were nothing short of a rollercoaster. With each run scored and each wicket that fell, the momentum swung wildly between the two teams. Ben Stokes, with his incredible resilience and determination, kept fighting, but the New Zealand bowlers refused to give up.

The penultimate over saw Stokes smashing a six, bringing England within touching distance of the target. However, the drama intensified when a controversial moment occurred: a throw from the deep hit Stokes' bat and ran away for four overthrows. This incident sparked debates and added another layer of complexity to the already intense situation.

England needed 15 runs off the final over. Trent Boult bowled with nerves of steel, taking a crucial wicket and keeping the pressure on. With two runs needed off the final ball, Stokes managed to scramble a single, resulting in a tie! The scores were level, and the match went into a Super Over – a first in World Cup final history.

In the Super Over, England batted first, with Stokes and Buttler back at the crease. They managed to score 15 runs, setting a target for New Zealand. The Kiwis, with Guptill and James Neesham, came out to bat, needing 16 runs to win the World Cup. The Super Over was just as dramatic, with boundaries, wickets, and brilliant fielding. In the end, New Zealand also scored 15 runs, resulting in a tie in the Super Over as well!

The Controversial Finish: England Wins on Boundary Count

With both the match and the Super Over ending in a tie, the winner had to be decided by a tie-breaker. The umpires turned to the rule book, and it was determined that England would be declared the winners based on the higher number of boundaries scored during the match. This decision sparked controversy and debate, as many felt that other methods could have been used to determine the winner.

England's victory was historic, marking their first-ever Cricket World Cup title. The celebrations at Lord's were ecstatic, as the players and fans rejoiced in the momentous achievement. However, the controversial nature of the win left a bitter taste for some, particularly the New Zealand team and their supporters.

Key Moments and Performances

Several moments and individual performances stood out in this epic final:

  • Ben Stokes's Innings: Stokes's remarkable innings was the backbone of England's chase. His resilience, determination, and ability to perform under pressure were truly commendable.

  • New Zealand's Bowling Attack: The Kiwi bowlers, led by Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson, bowled with incredible accuracy and discipline, making it difficult for England to score freely.

  • The Super Over: The Super Over itself was a spectacle, filled with drama and excitement, showcasing the intensity of the contest.

  • The Boundary Count Rule: The controversial boundary count rule will forever be etched in cricket history, sparking debates and discussions about the fairness of the tie-breaker.

Reactions and Aftermath

The aftermath of the final was filled with mixed emotions. England celebrated their historic win, while New Zealand was left heartbroken. The cricket world was divided, with some praising England's victory and others questioning the fairness of the boundary count rule.

Kane Williamson and the New Zealand team showed incredible sportsmanship, accepting the defeat with grace and dignity. Their conduct earned them widespread respect and admiration from fans around the world. The ICC faced criticism for the boundary count rule, leading to discussions about potential changes to the regulations for future tournaments.

The 2019 World Cup final will forever be remembered as one of the most thrilling and controversial matches in cricket history. The drama, excitement, and intensity of the contest captivated audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Conclusion: A Final for the Ages

In conclusion, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 final was an absolute thriller that had everything – drama, tension, brilliant performances, and a controversial finish. Whether you're an England fan celebrating their historic win or a New Zealand supporter admiring their team's resilience, there's no denying that this match will be talked about for generations to come. It was a true testament to the spirit of cricket and a reminder of why we all love this game so much. This is a game that every cricket fan should watch and re-watch to appreciate the nuances and the sheer brilliance of both teams. What a match, what a final! Let me know your favorite moments from the match in the comments below! Cheers!