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England Win Amazing Cricket World Cup Final Against New Zealand

England Win Amazing Cricket World Cup Final Against New Zealand

England emerged victorious after a final for the ages

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

England have won a dramatic ICC Cricket World Cup final after beating New Zealand in a super over.

After both sides scored 241 runs over the course of their 50 overs, England struck 15 from their sudden death over leaving New Zealand needing 16 for the tournament.

Jofra Archer bowled England's extra over and restricted them to 14 runs in a match that went right to the final ball.

This was a match that will go down in history as one of the greatest ever. Ben Stokes produced a masterclass to anchor and drive England's run chase, whereas Colin de Grandhomme, Henry Nicholls, Trent Boult, and the New Zealand team were very unlucky to lose.

PA

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nicholls top scored for the unfancied Blackcaps with 55. He was manfully assisted by handy innings from wicketkeeper Tom Latham, as well as captain Kane Williamson.

They plodded at times, but eventually set England 241 to win. It wasn't clear at the time whether that would be enough. Nobody could have foreseen what was to come.

England started their innings with confidence, if lacking some of the swagger that they showed against Australia in their semi-final.

The New Zealand bowling attack was up to the challenge. They picked good lines and restricted an England batting line-up that oozes power.

PA

Colin de Grandhomme was excellent. Trent Boult, Matt Henry, and Mitchell Santner did their bit.

At the end of a compelling and - at times - unbearably tense innings, Ben Stokes carried his bat for 84 not out in the knowledge that he'd saved their world cup dream.

It was only fitting then, that Stokes emerged for the Super Over. Six deliveries after weeks of cricket to separate two juggernauts.

It's often said as a platitude, but neither team deserved to lose.

England's sudden death six deliveries was a success. 16 isn't enough to declare on, but it was competitive.

PA

Jofra Archer looked a bit shell shocked as he began bowling out the final six deliveries of the tournament, but eventually New Zealand pushed too hard and ended up agonisingly short - not for the first time.

For England, three times unlucky in World Cup finals, this was their time. By the narrowest of margins, after the longest and most physically and mentally wearing contest, they'd done it.

England won the Cricket World Cup, and - when you think about it - was it ever going to be any different? They simply don't do 'the easy way'.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: uk news