World Cup 2019: Kiwis set England 242-run target
What's the story
New Zealand set England a 242-run target in the final of the ICC World Cup 2019. Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and chose to bat first at Lord's on Sunday. England stepped up with the ball and didn't allow the Kiwis to race ahead. The hosts will feel confident about chasing the target. Here is the innings report.
Proceedings
England keep New Zealand under control
England started well and got the dangerous Martin Guptill (19). Skipper Eoin Morgan gave his opening bowlers to have a real crack. Kiwis managed to negotiate the threat and see off Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes. Williamson (30) and Henry Nicholls (55) added a gritty 74-run stand for the second wicket. Just when things looked good for NZ (103/1), Liam Plunkett got Williamson.
New Zealand
Williamson ends with 588 runs, Nicholls hits a gutsy ffity
Williamson would have liked a big score, but he ended up edging a delivery of Plunkett. He finished with 588 runs in CWC 19. His 30-run knock saw him get past 900 career World Cup runs (911). Meanwhile, credit goes to Nicholls for standing up with a gutsy 55. He hit four fours in a 77-ball innings.
Plunkett
Experienced Plunkett the hero for England
Plunkett (3/42) was terrific and showed his value. The experienced pacer varied his pace to pick up crucial scalps. He got Williamson and then castled Nicholls shortly after his fifty. The best moment came when the right-arm pacer foxed Jimmy Neesham (19) with a ball that was pitched up. Neesham never managed to get along with the shot and was caught.
Twitter Post
Plunkett shows wisdom plays a part
Liam Plunkett is the OLDEST to take 3+ wkts in a World Cup final, at age of 34 years, 99 days.
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) July 14, 2019
Plunkett is England's oldest player in the XI and the one with longest International career (debut in 2005) as well.
He brings his experience play at the biggest stage #CWC19Final
England
England hit back at regular intervals
Every time the Kiwis looked to build a partnership, England kept coming back. Ross Taylor (15) and Tom Latham were going well, but the former was unfortunate after being adjudged LBW. And then Latham was striking a start with Neesham, but England pegged them back once again. The Three Lions were superb on the field as well with Jonny Bairstow leading the charge.
England pacers
England pacers terrific once again
The four primary English pacers were a real treat in CWC 19. The likes of Archer, Woakes, Wood and Plunkett shared 60-plus wickets between them. England were brilliant in the final power-play and didn't allow the Kiwis to get away. NZ would have liked more big shots, but England were in control. England now need to bat smartly and win this tie.