England champions, New Zealand runners-up by a hair's breadth. This was a game for the ages, it was a glorious amalgamation of thrills, heart-break and tears, both from joy and soul-numbing grief.
As a tense Sunday evening waned, England scored 15 with Stokes and Jos Buttler having a biff against Trent Boult. And guess what? New Zealand replied with 15 too with James Neesham clouting a six off Jofra Archer in a mad over that ended once Martin Guptill got run-out while going for the winning run. Yet, England prevailed as it had more boundaries (26) than what New Zealand (17) scored through the pulsating contest.
New Zealand scored 241 for eight, England, after thriving on Ben Stokes (84 n.o.), was bowled out for 241. The World Cup’s summit clash was tied and a super over was needed to break the stalemate at Lord's.
Martin Guptill's bad form in the tournament continued as he was dismissed for 19 by Chris Woakes. The England pacer ended the innings with figures of 3 for 37 in 9 overs and also claimed the wickets of wicket-keeper Tom Latham and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson stitched together a 74-run partnership for the second-wicket with opener Henry Nicholls to steady the innings for the Kiwis after the early loss of Martin Guptill. Nicholls brought up his first 50 of the World Cup.
New Zealand had the upperhand for a brief period in the middle overs and the team's fans were cheering them on in full flow. However, the Kiwis lost steam after Ross Taylor was wrongly given out LBW and he had no review left to challenge the decision as Guptill had used it up.
England pacer Liam Plunkett bowled brilliantly throughout the game and troubled the New Zealand batsmen. He finished with figures of 3 for 42 in 10 over and dismissed both Williamson and Nicholls. He also sent James Neesham back to the pavilion in the 39th over to halt any attempts of a late flourish by the Kiwis.
The Kiwis ended with 241 for eight in its alloted 50 overs, out of which 30 came through extras. New Zealand bowlers have their task cut out with the new ball in order to tilt the match in their side's favour. On the other hand, the host England would have been happy with its bowling performance barring a few missed chances.
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