We hear the term, cricket is the real winner being used very frequently but this was the game in which cricket, indeed was the real winner. What a day for cricket it was! Neither Team deserved to lose that. We have seen so many beautiful moments, heartbreaks, exits, fights and victories throughout the world cup and it all comes down to this -- the New World Champions -- England -- basking in all glory at the home of cricket.
The Home of Cricket couldn’t
have deserved a better and
fitting final
England’s Ben Stokes rightly hailed Sunday’s dramatic World Cup final victory over New Zealand in a Super Over as the ‘best match in cricket history’. It was nothing less than sheer magic as the match kept tilting in favour of England and New Zealand throughout the final overs, but eventually it was England whose 44-year-long longing ended on a Super Over, that too, on boundary count as England had 22 fours and two sixes compared to 16 by New Zealand.Both England and New Zealand stretched themselves beyond limits in this immensely tough game where pressure seemed to be ruling the roost. Not just after 100 overs of the game, but also after the Super Over, both teams were tied.However, New Zealand just couldn’t get that one extra run in the Super Over, which enabled England win the final by virtue of more boundaries and lift their maiden World Cup title.
Eoin Morgan lifted the trophy but New Zealand won hearts by staying true to their fighting streak. World Cup finals tend to disappoint. The last time Lord’s had hosted one, the finest ever Pakistan team crumbled for just 132 against Australia. Previous finals in 2015, 2007 and 2003 too were equally one-sided as Australia made short work every time, irrespective of the opponent. That story has been set straight now. There was every kind of drama one could imagine. This was the dream final.The Home of Cricket couldn’t have deserved a better and fitting final.
