LONDON: ENGLAND cricketers are world champions for the first time after beating New Zealand in an epic ICC World Cup final on Sunday at Lord’s In London.
The match went down to a Super Over after both sides tied on 242, with England scoring 15 from six deliveries.
After heroics with the bat from Ben Stokes, England put their faith in Jofra Archer with the ball and won off the final ball as Jos Buttler ran out Martin Guptill.
The teams had tied again in the Super Over but England won after hitting more boundaries over the two innings.
England had slumped to 86-4 in chase of New Zealand’s total with Jason Roy the first to go.
Lockie Ferguson then took the key wicket of Jonny Bairstow before a stunning catch to dismiss Eoin Morgan. But Stokes and Jos Buttler helped push England forward and their partnership ensured renewed hope among the home crowd.
The hosts needed 53 from the final six overs before Buttler was caught superbly by Tim Southee.
Chris Woakes was next to go as England’s hopes fell on the shoulders of Stokes, as they chased 24 from the final two overs.
Liam Plunkett was caught by Trent Boult before the New Zealander caught Stokes, only to touch the rope and a six was given.
The nerves continued to shred when Archer was bowled for zero, as England required 15 from the last over.
A stunning Stokes six sent Lord’s wild before a fielding mishap left England needing two from the last ball to win.
They could only manage one run to tie the match ensuring the final went to a Super Over.
England were set a target of 242 after three-wicket bursts from Liam Plunkett and Chris Woakes stymied New Zealand’s bid to set an unassailable total.
The all-important scalp of Kiwi captain Kane Williamson was among Plunkett’s haul of three for 42, the seamer once again showing his worth to England in the middle overs, while Woakes contributed three for 37.
Williamson’s 30 off 53 balls reflected New Zealand’s watchful approach as they posted 241 for eight on another tricky pitch, Henry Nicholls overturning an LBW decision on nought to top-score with 55 off 77 deliveries.
Plunkett’s key breakthroughs took the headlines though Woakes was the metronome of the England attack, especially early on, and Mark Wood and Archer turned up the heat – although England gave away 17 wides in 30 extras.
