Let’s have a look into the history vault, exactly a year ago history books were rewritten as we witnessed the most astonishing, fortuitous, and nerve-wracking finale to the biggest ever cricket match. England emerged as champions of the world, whilst, Kiwis coped the most riveting defeat we’ve ever seen.
The match was gripping throughout but its climax was nothing less than an action-packed thriller. 1.6 Billion people were glued to their TV screens as Stokes redeemed himself to become the hero of the nation.
Match Summary
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first, a norm of knockout games. Kiwi skipper failed to deliver extraordinary heroics but Henry Nicholls and Tom Latham were steadfast on the biggest stage of them all. New Zealand managed to score a fighting 241 for the loss of 8 wickets, a fighting total for the Finals. But the real drama began in the second innings, a script that hardly anyone could’ve conceived.
England lost early wickets and with the departure of Eoin Morgan hopes of lifting the cup became bleaker and bleaker. From there on a chain of extraordinary events was started. Struggling Englishmen found hope as Butler and Stokes batted well through the middle overs, but the match was shaping for an unprecedented finale. Buttler’s wicket instigated a new hope amongst the Kiwis and they kept on grabbing every chance that came their way. Newzealand was undoubtedly the favourites before the start of final over, but Super Stokes had one blast left.
Last Over: The Ultimate Drama
Last over was no less horrifying than any of Stephen King’s movies as it got intense and more intense with every second. 28,000 spectators had their eyes glued on Ben Stokes, the survivalist. A mighty six from Stokes, a glimpse of hope, and then came nature to England’s help. The survivalist accidentally clipped the ball while diving for a run, claiming 6 bonus runs( technically it should’ve been 5 runs but umpire’s mistake and England’s luck ). The last ball of 50-overs and 2 runs were required, Stokes plays a lazy stroke to the long-on but ran himself out while running the second run.
Congrats you have entered the Final Level!
Apex of Excitement
75+ years of ODI cricket and there’s been no super over, but the Finals has its perks. Hosts stepped up to bat first in the super over and managed 15 courtesy Butler and Stokes. Guptil and Neesham stepped onto the field for perhaps the biggest moment of their lives, a humongous task ahead of them. Morgan entrusted pace packed Archer with the biggest over he’ll ever bowl. New Zealand requires 2 of the last ball to become champions of the world, England must defend to bring it home. There is almost a time-lapse, as the world stops to praise what has been a remarkable day for sports. Martin Guptil plays it deep, a rocket arm throw from Jason Roy and even the quickest Guptil can’t make it. Buttler dislodges the bails as the Kiwis mourn. England was crowned champions of the world as their boundary toll was greater than New Zealand(arguably an incorrect decision).200 years of cricket and there’s never been a better finale 🙂
” England have won the world cup by the barest of margins, Absolute ecstasy for England, agony, agony for New Zealand “