On This Day In 2019: England Became World Champions By Barest Of Margins

After both England and New Zealand finished on level terms in their respective allotted quota of 50 overs each, the contest headed into Super Over. And as luck would have it, that too, ended in a tie but England were declared winners as they had a superior boundary count. Also Read - I Stand by my Decision to Leave Stuart Broad Out: Ben Stokes After Southampton Defeat

England, owing to their limited-overs form in the run-up to the world cup, were the favourites. They won all but three of their matches en route to the final. On the other hand, New Zealand, who finished runners-up in 2015, took a similar route to the final with just three defeats.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson opted to bat first. Henry Nicholls scored a fifty while Tom Latham contributed with 47 as they posted a middling 241/8. England had set the world cup on fire with their fearless batting. However, the pitch and some tight bowling from New Zealand meant the chase didn’t turn out to be a joyride. In fact, they were pushed to the brink before talisman Ben Stokes stepped up and almost singlehandedly dragged them over the line. Stokes scored an unbeaten 89 as England were bowled out for 241.