Cricket Classics - Part I: The 2019 World Cup Final

Hello, fellow Sports Enthusiasts,

Cricket is not a just sport between two teams; it's a battle of skills, strategy, and capitalizing on clutch moments. Although the game has transformed over the decades, it has never failed to impress us or leave us with unforgettable moments.

So, through this series, I will present you some of the most iconic cricket matches that have made fans jump out of their seats. Let's remember those legendary games once a week.

Made by leonardo.ai

"Guptill’s going to push for two, they've got to go! Throw’s got to go to the keeper’s end... HE'S GOT HIM! England has won the World Cup, by the barest of margins! By the barest of all margins! Absolute ecstasy for England, agony for New Zealand!" - Ian Smith winning moment

Jos Butler broke the wickets and England players were running around the Lord's ground with joy. Fans were going crazy with England's first ODI World Cup win in a thrilling encounter. Both the main game and the Super Over are tied, overthrow drama, and boundary rule gave an unexpected yet unbelievable turnaround to the tournament. So, let's talk about a recent classic **The 2019 World Cup Final **, in the first episode!

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The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, was hosted by England and Wales 30th of May to 14 of July. So, around one and a half months 10 teams played for the honor. As the schedule was according to the round-robin format, where every team faced against each other. The top 04 teams at the end, meet at the semis. (01 vs 04, 02 vs 03)

In the first semi, Kiwis beat table-topper India by 18 runs. And England comfortably defeated Australia by 08 wickets to advance to the finals. Both teams had never won an ODI World Cup and it was their chance. England as the host nation, with Morgan's leadership and fearsome batting lineup, was a clear favorite from the start. On the other hand, Kiwis under captain Cool Kane and being runner's up in 2015, were in too much control of things.

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Lord's stadium was filled with fans to witness history. They would have never thought that this match would be one of the most iconic matches in Cricket history.

NZ started the batting, but they couldn't have a fiery start as expected. Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, and Archer particularly set things tight from the start to keep Kiwis on line. Henry Nicholls and Latham contributed decently for the Kiwis to put a total of 241/8 in the 50 overs.

England batters couldn't deliver the explosive batting display they used to be from the start. Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, and James Neesham were amazing with the ball and took wickets while slowing the run rate. At one stage, England was in a big trouble when Morgan got out; 86/4 in 23.1 overs. But Butler and Bens Stokes came to the rescue.

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When Butler was down, England still had to get 45 runs in the last 05 overs with 05 wickets remaining. When wickets fell from the other side Stokes once again became the clutch player. 15 needed off the last over from Boult. He nailed two yorkers. 15 needed off 04. Then Stokes banged for a six. Then the twist happened. While diving for a second run, the throw from Guptil deflected off Stokes’ bat and went for a four. 06 runs added and there was no fault from Stokes, as it wasn't his intention. So, 3 from 2 balls and the match tied in the end.

In the super over Stokes and Butler came against Boult and they put 15 runs. A pretty good total. The final battle was between Guptill and Neesham vs Archer to get 16. And ironically Kiwis couldn't cross it, giving another tie. England won the World Cup for the first time from the boundary count. As per the rules, England had 06 more boundaries than the Kiwis led them to victory.

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The match will be remembered as one of the greatest for the thrilling end, Stoke's clutch innings, overthrow, and boundary count controversy.

See you at the next episode!!

Thank you.
Best Regards!