England beat New Zealand in the ICC World Cup 2019 Final at Lord’s to be crowned champions for the very first time ever.
The final went right down to the wire and ended in a tie after the regulation hundred overs of the game. This meant that the match had to be decided by a Super Over.
As it turned out, the Super Over was also tied and England were announced champions by virtue of the boundary count.
Meanwhile, both skippers congratulated their opposition for such a great match.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson rued the fact that the ball hit Stokes’ bat and went for a boundary.
“It was a shame that the ball hit Stokes’ bat, but I just hope it doesn’t happen in moments like that. Unfortunately that sort of thing happens from time to time. It’s a part of the game that we play. I don’t wish to nitpick, just hope it never happens in such moments ever again,” said Williamson.
Both the teams showed a lot of fight. It had to go down to the last ball, and then the last ball of the next little match, but a great match all round. Lot of positives for us as well.Kane Williamson, Captain, New Zealand Cricket team
English skipper credited the long process of four years for their success.
“This has been a four-year journey. We have developed a lot over those years, especially the last two.” said Morgan.
The winning captain also congratulated Williamson and Co for putting up such a tough fight.
There was a lot in that game, jeez. I’d like to commiserate Kane and his team. The fight that they show is worth aspiring to. The example that they lead is hugely commendable to him and his team. It was a very hard-fought game. It was a tough wicket where everyone found it tough to score.Eoin Morgan, Captain, England Cricket team
Young Jofra Archer bowled the crucial Super Over.
“Pretty sure I was going to bowl it (the Eliminator). Just had a double-check with Morgs (Captain Eoin Morgan). Still racing (heartbeat). Probably the biggest thing (in my life). The way the guys started in this tournament from the beginning, would’ve been disappointing not to win. They’ve been a family to me.”Jofra Archer
Meanwhile, player of the match Ben Stokes spoke about his crucial partnership with Jos Buttler and also apologised to Williamson for the bat mishap in the last over of the English innings.
“All the hardwork that’s gone on in these four years, and to execute with such a good game is unthinkable. Thanks to everyone for all the support. We just kept talking during the partnership with Jos, and the run-rate wasn’t getting away, and in the last over when the ball hit the bat and went for four - I apologized to Kane for that.”Ben Stokes
Meanwhile, this is how Twitter reacted to the incredible final between England and New Zealand
Former England skipper Michael Vaughan said that this England win will inspire a new generation of cricketers.
Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman congratulated Ben Stokes and Jimmy Neesham for their respective heroics.
Reputed Indian cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle said that there will never be another World Cup final like this.
Aakash Chopra hailed this game as the best World Cup final ever.
Meanwhile, former Indian batsman turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar declared both England and New Zealand as winners of the game.
Gambhir congratulated England and wished New Zealand hard luck after opposite result in the final.
Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh denied accepting the Super Over rules.
Former South African skipper Graeme Smith considered cricket as the ultimate winner after the final.
Former Windies skipper Viv Richards hailed the final as a nail-biting stuff.
Veteran Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh hailed the game as a great final.
Echoing Harbhajan’s sentiments, Kaif said that this is one of the finest cricket matches ever.
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