England defeat New Zealand in Super Over to win maiden World Cup

The World Cup final between New Zealand and England went into a Super Over after both teams ended with the same score of 241, on Sunday (July 14). However, England became the World Champions by the virtue of scoring more boundaries in the Super Over.

New Zealand scored 241/8 after opting to bat and hosts England were all out for exact score in the last ball of their innings.

New Zealand put on a modest batting performance to put up a defendable total against a disciplined England seam attack.

Henry Nicholls (55) and skipper Kane Williamson (30) built a 74-run partnership after Chris Woakes (3/37 in 9 overs) and Jofra Archer (1/42 in 10 overs) kept the Kiwis in line. Later, Tom Latham (47) helped the Kiwis put up a fighting total on the big day.

While Woakes has been the favourite, it was Liam Plunkett stepped up and restricted the Black Caps with his three wickets. He scalped skipper Kane Williamson, opener Henry Nicholls and Jimmy Neesham for 3/42.

The English bowling had variations of every type – Archer hurled it full and fast on the blockhole, Plunkett bowled back of the length and Woakes used his slower variations in the final overs.

England seemed under trouble after losing wickets at regular intervals but Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler’s partnership brought the match to a tie-breaker.