OTD| England won their maiden ODI World Cup in a thrilling final in 2019 

On this day, four years ago, the England Men’s Cricket Team made its mark in history after lifting the 2019 ODI Cricket World Cup for the very first time. The home team trounced a Kane Williamson-led New Zealand side in the final game at Lord’s. The star all-rounder Ben Stokes’ decisive shot in the thrilling super over game handed Eoin Morgan and his team the World Cup title for the first time.

Earlier, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and invited the hosts to field first. After opting to bat first, the Black Caps posted a respectable 241 runs off their target in the given 50 overs in the final of the clash. In response to that, the English team had trouble getting off to an adequate start in the chase. Jonny Bairstow’s 36 runs from 55 deliveries was the most impressive performance during the final match. 

Notably, after the early collapse, the English star batters Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler gave the match a boost by putting together a 110-run stand until Lockie Ferguson struck Buttler for 59. It was simply a come-and-go situation since the home team was powerless to prevent Ferguson and James Neesham’s bowling efforts. Later, Ben Stokes’ gritty 84-ball innings subsequently ensured that the match was level and that it proceeded into the Super Over.

England was named the 2019 ODI World Cup champions based on its higher boundary count

However, additional excitement had been built as both teams shared the exact same aggregate of runs (15 runs) during the super-over match. Although cricket enthusiasts continued to analyze the drama, England was named the 2019 ODI World Cup champions based on its higher boundary count compared to the visitors. Many spectators, including cricket players, recognised this World Cup final as one of the most exquisite ODI matches of all time. “Pure happiness” was on one side, whereas “pure suffering” could be felt on the other side.