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CWC 2019 Final Player Ratings: England v New Zealand

Charbel Coorey

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July 15, 2019 at 2:56 pm

CWC 2019 Final Player Ratings: England v New Zealand

It has been a while since I have embarked on a Player Ratings journey. It is a very fitting time to make a comeback, after one of the all-time great matches that made sleep a very distant second-most priority.

For my roundup of the Final, check out my 5 key talking points. The link will also be at the end of the article, which explores the ICC’s beautiful (not) rules, Ben Stokes’ brilliance and how bowlers had a big say in this World Cup.

For now, it’s time to rate each player in the World Cup Final out of 10. For those who have seen my player ratings before, this is a light-hearted review of the action. Do leave a comment no matter if you agree or disagree with the ratings!

England:

Jonny Bairstow: Had England lost, what would Jonny have said about the pitch? In all seriousness, Bairstow, after surviving a number of close calls early, looked good to go bigger. Also, his fielding on the boundary had the English commentators beside themselves, which is fair enough considering how amazing he has been. 6

Jason Roy: Kevin Pietersen, who said England would win this match easy, would like to see Jason Roy play in the Ashes. Given the way Roy plays the moving ball, Australia might look to employ KP as their director of cricket. Roy survived a very close LBW shout first ball, and to be fair to Marais Erasmus, he may have been afraid of Roy’s reaction. 3

Joe Root: A tough 7 off 30 that may have seen the largest number of cricket fans switch over to a Wimbledon Final. Will have to check the numbers. Ugly hack and drive reflective of an innings not worthy of Root’s ability. 2

Eoin Morgan: KP might not be right about Roy in the Test side, but he is right about Morgan against the short ball. However, skipper Morgan should be praised for what he has helped England achieve over the past four years. 5

Ben Stokes: Deserved man of the match. New Zealand-born Ben Stokes denies New Zealand their moment of glory. One of the great World Cup Final performances. More here. 10

Jos Buttler: Great time to find form again after an under-par last few games. Was victim of the inevitable twist and turn that a game like this was always going to have. Also held his nerve to execute the run out that delivered World Cup glory. 8

Chris Woakes: Bowled magnificently up front yet again. Consistent performer for England. 9

Jofra Archer: Nostradamus. You could look at this man’s Twitter from six years ago and find any tweet that suits the 2019 World Cup perfectly. Who said Twitter engagement lasts for two days at most? In regards to this match, he just about held his nerve in the Super Over to get England home. A great tournament – deserving of a place in the team of the tournament. 7

Of course, there's a @JofraArcher tweet for this!#NZvENG | #CWC19Final pic.twitter.com/D8yuLz3Ffj
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 14, 2019

CWC 2019 Final Player Ratings: Archer had a tweet for everything

Liam Plunkett: Every England fan would want nothing more than Plunkett cross-seam in the middle overs pumped into their veins. An outstanding performance, including the crucial wicket of Kane Williamson in a spell that read 3/42. He started off as New Zealand’s best player with poor bowling, and then finished as one of England’s best. Certainly justified his selection. 9

Adil Rashid: There was no Marcus Stoinis to completely fool with a googly. However, Rashid was mighty steady, conceding just one boundary in his eight overs that went for 39. 6

Mark Wood: Was generating some beautiful shape early in his spell, but bowled too short. The template was set by Plunkett, and Wood could have been more damaging than he was. 6

New Zealand:

Martin Guptill: Wrong time and place for Guptill to honour Shane Watson. His bad review up top cost Ross Taylor, who was unable to review an ordinary decision by umpire Erasmus. Guptill then nearly got New Zealand home with his speed in the Super Over, but fell agonisingly short. Overall, a very disappointing tournament. 3

Henry Nicholls: Ensured no immediate damage was done after Guptill’s early dismissal, but would have liked to go on. Solid half century. 7

Kane Williamson: Player of the tournament, and couldn’t even believe it. Williamson’s wicket for 30 was a huge one, and his captaincy was excellent yet again. He has won many more admirers with his humility and leadership. 7

Ross Taylor: Guptill decided to honour Shane Watson, but we must credit Ross Taylor for not honouring Jason Roy after copping a poor LBW decision. 5

Tom Latham: Was badly out of form earlier in the tournament, but scored vital runs in this match along with more dismissals behind the stumps. Solid outing. 7

Jimmy Neesham: Whether it’s a tweet, wicket, runs or great catch, the Neesh can make anyone fall in love with him. His shot in New Zealand’s innings was a moment of regret, but his bowling and Super Over batting was reflective of the excellent tournament he had. Clearly distraught, the Neesh should be proud of his effort. 7

Kids, don’t take up sport. Take up baking or something. Die at 60 really fat and happy.
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) July 15, 2019

CWC 2019 Final Player Ratings: Distraught

Colin de Grandhomme: Could barely lay bat on ball, but then ensured England were in the same predicament when he bowled. Absolutely brilliant spell of 1/25. 8

Mitchell Santner: Mitchell Santner has the unique opportunity to tell his grandkids one day that he ducked a bouncer off the final ball of an ODI innings. Wasn’t needed much with the ball, but picked up a crucial run out in the final over. 4

Matt Henry: Class. Bowled a spell where everyone was left to scratch their heads as to how he didn’t get more wickets. His performances in the last two games were exactly why New Zealand have preferred him over Tim Southee in recent times. 8

Lockie Ferguson: Outstanding. Three wickets for 50, never letting England settle. He might have been the better option for the Super Over, which is testament to the brilliant tournament he had. 9

Trent Boult: Oh, Trent. His moment in the penultimate over of the match was the equivalent of putting your hand too close to a fire and then getting burnt. It can make for magnificent meme content, but it was a crucial moment in the match. His final two overs (50th and Super Over) could have been better, but his two clutch run outs at the bowlers’ end give his score some respectability. 4

Special mentions

ICC: Great rule to punish the fielding team for trying to inflict a run out, where the batsman gets in the way. Also, a boundary on its own is more important than four singles. 0

Kumar Dharmasena: The third umpire always sits up, ready to get involved in the game whenever Kumar makes a decision (or non-call). 5

Marais Erasmus: Smart man. Didn’t give a very good looking LBW against Jason Roy. Also, the Ross Taylor decision was very disappointing. 3

So, there are the player ratings from a memorable Final.

Congratulations to England on winning the World Cup. As an Aussie, I must admit they have been the best side over the past four years, and deserve reward for their hard work. For New Zealand, here is hoping they will enjoy great success in the future after such heartbreak.

This was one for the ages.

Also read: Five key talking points from the greatest ODI ever

Thanks for reading!

CWC 2019 Final talking points: England v New Zealand

Charbel Coorey

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July 15, 2019 at 2:39 pm

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CWC 2019 Final talking points: England v New Zealand. ENG vs NZ: 5 key talking points from the 2019 Cricket World Cup Final

Was it all just a dream? Up throughout the night in Sydney and on a few hours sleep, I join cricket fans in disbelief all over the globe after what was one of the most incredible games of cricket in history.

Forget just ODIs. One of the best games in history.

England won their first ever World Cup, denying the luckless New Zealand in a heartbreak that no movie can ever top. Ben Stokes played the innings of his life to rescue his side, along with events late on that surely has to have the ICC questioning their rules.

However, whatever your views of the rules, no one can deny the sheer drama that had fans on the edge of their seat.

The 1999 World Cup Final is the earliest I can remember, which was incredibly one-sided. So were 2003 and 2007. Sri Lanka did well in 2011, but India won with time to spare. 2015 was also one-sided. But, the 2019 World Cup Final made up for it all, producing the kind of drama that tells you that a plethora of fours and sixes aren’t the essential requirement for a great game (well, that’s ironic given that England actually won on boundaries).

So, after all that, here are five talking points from an incredible World Cup Final.

1. The greatest ODI of all time

The 2019 Cricket World Cup Final will go down as the greatest ODI of all time. 20 years on from the unforgettable 1999 Semi Final (which was shown throughout the tournament more often than 2019 highlights), this Final trumped it in terms of sheer drama, turning points, controversy and the incredible Super Over.

New Zealand, like they did against India, believed they were in the game at half time. They had runs on the board in a Final. But, what was more impressive this time was their ability to stick to their task after a luckless first few overs, ripping through England in the middle to leave Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler with a mountain to climb.

Twitter was in meltdown. Kevin Pietersen was mysteriously absent as he pondered what his life would be like if England had lost. After all, he predicted an ‘easy’ win. Buttler and Stokes put on a magnificent stand, but a game like this was never going to have a tame end.

Indeed, the ending was so good that movie producers would not have been able to script such drama.

2. Ben Stokes produces an all-time great performance

Ben Stokes was England’s best player in this campaign. Easily. The Champions had their fair share of rocky moments throughout the tournament, and it was Stokes who stood up to be counted on numerous occasions. His knocks against Sri Lanka and Australia were signs of a player confident in his ability to bat through storms. Here, he went up to another level, keeping his cool as England’s batting lineup was under attack from New Zealand’s armoury of talented bowlers. He gave himself a chance to get England home even when he could barely run anymore.

It was a performance for the ages, even with Trent Boult’s mighty ‘step-up’ on the boundary off Stokes in the penultimate over that meant a six instead England’s hopes dashed. Sheer adrenaline and passion got him over the line. Every ounce of energy was spent in creating history. He achieved it, creating pandemonium in the stands and across the nation. Now, Stokes can be mentioned in a list of players who produced gold in World Cup Finals – a list that includes Clive Lloyd, Wasim Akram, Aravinda de Silva, Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and MS Dhoni.

Also read: Who else joins Ben Stokes in the 2019 World Cup Team of the Tournament?

CWC 2019 Final talking points: England v New Zealand. ENG vs NZ: 5 key talking points from the 2019 Cricket World Cup Final — CWC 2019 Final talking points: Ben Stokes has now enjoyed his best ever moment in an England shirt.

3. The ICC must look at its rules + umpires have a tough outing

ODI Cricket’s showpiece event was a magnificent spectacle. However, two rules left a sour taste.

The first was in the last over of the chase. England needed nine runs off three balls, and Ben Stokes hit the ball out to deep midwicket and rushed back for two. In a game full of drama, it was only appropriate that the throw would cannon off his bat as he dived to make the crease and run away for four. Two turned into six, but this should have never been the case. It should have been five instead of six, but that’s all extra complication. Batsmen don’t run for overthrows when the ball hits them, so why should four runs count? Why should the fielding team be penalised for trying to initiate a dismissal that accidentally hits the batsman? That too in the final stages of World Cup Final? Cricket has some incredible rules that defy logic, and this is one of them. It is time for the ball to be dead if it accidentally strikes the batsman running between the wickets.

The second is the boundary rule. New Zealand watched England lift the trophy without even losing the match. By rewarding the number of boundaries across the game, you disregard the effort put in by players in running between the wickets. If teams finish with equal runs, then you have another Super Over. The team with more runs should win the match. After all, a boundary is equivalent to four singles. So, why should the boundary mean more?

Yes, both teams knew the rules beforehand. But, that doesn’t make them good rules. New Zealand were very hard done by, and how they and their fans would be feeling right now is something you wouldn’t wish on anyone. This is in addition to Kumar Dharmasena and Marais Erasmus making errors, including the missed edge off Kane Williamson, incorrect LBWs off Henry Nicholls and Ross Taylor (which he couldn’t review) and the very good shout turned down against Jason Roy on the first ball of England’s innings.

Things could have been better in such a big game.

4. Bowlers rule in this World Cup

Hey, who remembers Liam Plunkett taking 3/42 in a magnificent spell that turned the game in the middle overs? So much happened after Plunkett’s exploits, but it was such great justification for England’s selectors.

England has been home to mammoth totals over the past four years. Beautiful batting pitches have been the common theme, making games a boundary-a-thon rather than a proper battle between bat and ball. In the Final, we were treated to an amazing battle, where the likes of Plunkett, Chris Woakes, Lockie Ferguson and Colin de Grandhomme proving that you don’t need 350 vs 350 to have a thrilling ODI match.

Indeed, it was a magnificent effort by New Zealand to come so close. Their batting never fired all tournament, but their bowlers always kept them in matches. As the saying goes, batsmen win you games, but bowlers win you tournaments, and England’s significant improvement with the ball also played a crucial factor in their success.

The story of Liam Plunkett told through those who love him most.

On anxiety, alcohol, putting his flatmate through a wall and his journey to become his 3rd & most successful iteration as an international bowler.

Loved working on this #CWC19 #EngvAus

⏩ https://t.co/7W0226i9ke pic.twitter.com/133m8ET6I6
— Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) July 10, 2019

CWC 2019 Final talking points: Superb Plunkett.

5. Four years of hard work rewarded

Despite the controversies, no one can doubt England have been the best side over the past four years. Their embarrassing campaign in 2015 was the catalyst for change, embarking on a four-year journey that ultimately had the perfect destination.

Eoin Morgan deserves plenty of credit. He and Trevor Bayliss instilled a culture of freedom in their ODI side, completely changing their approach to white-ball cricket. They had bumps along the way – such as the 2017 Champions Trophy Semi Final – but they held their nerve here even as they weren’t even assured of a Semi Final spot with two group games left to play.

Now, England and their fans can savour a great moment: their first ever World Cup.

Thanks for reading!

Cricket World Cup 2019: Team of the Tournament

Charbel Coorey

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July 15, 2019 at 8:42 am

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Cricket World Cup 2019: Team of the Tournament. CWC 2019 Team of the Tournament. Best XI from CWC 2019.

So, how are we all doing after that? After months of predictions and discussion points both before and during ODI Cricket’s showpiece tournament, we had a Final that no one could have predicted. We witnessed the greatest ODI of all time, 20 years after that incredible Semi Final.

It was a day of joy for England, lifting the World Cup for the first ever time with a mix of good fortune and calmness under pressure at Lord’s. It was also a tournament of joy for a number of players, as we now discuss the combined XI.

While the ICC did itself no favours with some absurd rules, the tournament itself saw a number of excellent performers, which makes this XI a difficult one to choose. To do so, I will take into consideration the fact that big totals aren’t a must if you have the bowling attack to deliver the goods, as was the case in a tournament where batting didn’t dominate as much as was thought.

Agree or disagree with the XI? Leave a comment!

1. Rohit Sharma

9 matches, 648 runs, average: 81.00, SR: 98.33

With a world record five centuries in a single World Cup, Rohit Sharma makes my team of the tournament. He had quite a bit of luck throughout the campaign having being dropped five times, but it takes a class player to make the opposition pay.

His century against Pakistan was a highlight, along with a fighting knock against South Africa in India’s first game. He played a key role in getting India to top spot, after which they were hurt by his failure in the Semi Final, highlighting his importance.

Cricket World Cup 2019: Team of the Tournament. CWC 2019 Team of the Tournament. Best XI from CWC 2019. Cricket Blog CricBlog — Cricket World Cup 2019: Team of the Tournament – Rohit is a consistent performer.

2. David Warner

10 matches, 647 runs, average: 71.88, SR: 89.36

Jason Roy’s impact on England’s fortunes made this a difficult choice. However, Warner, largely solid at the top, enabled Australia to get off to strong starts, in the end masking Australia’s middle order worries.

There were fluent days (I.e. Pakistan, South Africa) and not so much (India, Sri Lanka), but it was a strong return to international cricket for Warner despite missing out in the Semi Final.

3. Kane Williamson (c)

10 matches, 578 runs, average: 82.57, SR: 74.96

Whether you agree with his man of the tournament award or not, one thing we can agree on is New Zealand would not have even reached the Semi Finals had it not been for Kane Williamson. Their inspirational skipper carried them right throughout the group stage, with his centuries against South Africa and West Indies two of his finest knocks.

With Martin Guptill having such a poor campaign, Williamson found himself facing the music very early in each of his nine knocks. His excellent captaincy throughout the tournament – which included defending modest scores in the Semi Final and Final (nearly) makes him captain of the CWC 2019 XI.

It ended in heartbreak, but it was a great tournament from a champion.

The many emotions of Kane Williamson.#CalmUnderPressure #NZvIND #IndiavsNewZealand #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/QB8JgBp7ct
— CricBlog (@cric_blog) July 10, 2019

Cricket World Cup 2019: Team of the Tournament – Calm Kane!

4. Shakib Al Hasan

8 matches, 606 runs, average: 86.57, SR: 96.03. 11 wickets, average: 36.27, econ. rate: 5.39

Could a player have been considered for man of the tournament even if his team didn’t reach the knockout phase? When it’s this guy, absolutely.

Shakib Al Hasan produced one of the all-time individual World Cup efforts. He became the first man to score 400 runs and take 10 wickets in a single tournament. Then 500. Then 600. He had an equal-WC record seven 50+ scores in his eight innings, with his lowest score a still respectable 41. His strike rate against good length deliveries was over 90, showing just how brilliant he was in rotating the strike en route to a mountain of runs.

Unfortunately, his teammates often couldn’t provide the support to get Bangladesh into the top four. If they had, he would have easily won man of the tournament, which is ironic given it is an individual award.

5. Ben Stokes

11 matches, 465 runs, average: 66.42, SR: 93.18. 7 wickets, average: 35.14, econ. rate: 4.83

Easy decision. Ben Stokes was England’s best player in CWC 2019, making their World Cup dream a reality with an incredible performance in the Final.

Indeed, when England had their shaky periods, it was Ben Stokes who stood up to be counted. His half centuries against Sri Lanka and Australia earlier in the tournament were mighty impressive amid the carnage, contributing to a fine campaign.

His bowling was tidy, too, going for under five an over. And, of course, who could ever forget that catch?

6. Alex Carey (wk)

10 matches, 375 runs, average: 62.50, SR: 104.16. 20 dismissals: 18 catches, 2 stumpings

Expected Jos Buttler to be here at the beginning of the tournament? You weren’t alone.

Alex Carey had an outstanding tournament, finishing as one of Australia’s best players. He either gave the flailing innings important impetus at the end, or rescued Australia from a precarious position. In the end, no other keeper scored more than his 378, to go with his tournament-high 20 dismissals.

7. Jimmy Neesham

10 matches, 232 runs, average: 33.14, SR: 78.91. 15 wickets, average: 15.46, econ. rate: 5.35

Jimmy Neesham was one of New Zealand’s heroes in their campaign. A player with renewed focus and belief (to go with his outstanding social media presence), Neesham added another dimension to the bowling attack in particular.

With New Zealand often struggling with the bat, Neesham was needed to perform well with the ball as the Black Caps relied on bowling well as a unit to win games. He bowled superbly in the Final, taking his tally to a very impressive 15 to go with 200+ runs, in addition to nearly pulling off an incredible win in the Super Over.

That hurts. Hopefully there’s a day or two over the next decade where I don’t think about that last half hour. Congratulations @ECB_cricket , well deserved.
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) July 14, 2019

Cricket World Cup 2019: Team of the Tournament – Heartbreak for Neesh

8. Mitchell Starc

10 matches, 27 wickets, average: 18.59, econ. rate: 5.43

A given. Mitchell Starc took a record 27 wickets, eclipsing Australia great Glenn McGrath who took 26 in the 2007 World Cup.

Starc was brilliant, carrying the Aussie attack with Pat Cummins throughout the early matches. He continued to pick up wickets of quality players, with highlights being his five wicket hauls against West Indies and New Zealand that saw Australia home in those games.

9. Jofra Archer

Matches 11, 20 wickets, average: 23.05, econ. rate: 4.57

There were concerns about England’s attack heading into the tournament, often conceding big totals. However, the introduction of Jofra Archer has added another dimension to England’s attack, resulting in a lift from the likes of Mark Wood and Liam Plunkett.

Archer did more than simply predict what would happen in this World Cup. He constantly threatened throughout the tournament, giving England crucial control with his economy rate, picking up wickets along the way. He just held his nerve in the Super Final to end a quality campaign with glory.

FROM 2014?! ?⁣
⁣⁣
⁣Just @jofraarcher casually predicting the future five years ago on Twitter! ?
⁣⁣#BELIEVED ✅
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 14, 2019

Cricket World Cup 2019: Team of the Tournament – Jofra Archer had a tweet for everything.

10. Lockie Ferguson

9 matches, 21 wickets, average: 19.47, econ. rate: 4.88

There were qualms that Lockie Ferguson should have bowled the Super Over ahead of Trent Boult in the Final.

That is testament to his great tournament, with Ferguson producing a performance that made New Zealand a threat with the ball right throughout CWC 2019. His pace was testament to his fitness, constantly on the prowl for wickets right up until his excellent effort in the classic Final. In the end, he finished second only to Mitchell Starc with 21 wickets.

11. Jasprit Bumrah

9 matches, 18 wickets, average: 20.61, econ. rate: 4.41

The best bowler in the world across formats. Take a look at his economy rate!

Jasprit Bumrah had an excellent tournament, proving his worth as one of India’s most prized assets. He constantly delivered at all stages of the innings, with highlights being his death bowling against Afghanistan (six yorkers in one over) and England (26 in last 5 overs) to keep India in matches.

The likes of Jason Roy, Joe Root, Babar Azam, Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mustafizur Rahman all had a case to make the XI, but just missed out.

What do you think of this team?

Thanks for reading!

CWC 2019 Final: England v New Zealand Preview Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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July 13, 2019 at 6:04 pm

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CWC 2019 Final: England v New Zealand Preview Dream11 Prediction. ENG vs NZ Preview Dream11 Prediction

After 43 matches, it comes down to this. A tournament of twists and turns will end with a brand new champion, courtesy of outstanding performances in their respective Semi Finals.

England are in their first World Cup Final since 1992. To put it into perspective, skipper Eoin Morgan was just five years of age at the time, and now is hours away of potentially becoming the first man to lift the World Cup for England. Their approach throughout the tournament came under fire at times, but the perfection destination is in close reach after a four year journey since an embarrassing 2015 World Cup exit. They have hit top form at the right time, and an amazing opportunity for glory awaits.

While England start as favourites, New Zealand’s magnificent Semi Final win over India shows they can never be counted out. Now in their second straight Final, the Black Caps also have the opportunity to lift the World Cup for the first time after measured performance under pressure a few days ago. Kane Williamson has had the tournament for the ages, gaining even more respect around the world for his humility, and surely any neutral will smile at the sight of him lifting the Cup. Can New Zealand go one better than their disappointing day in Melbourne four years ago?

Key to an England win

All the talk heading into the tournament was about England’s batting. They had come into the World Cup on the back of four straight 300+ scores in a 4-0 series triumph against Pakistan, followed up with a further three such scores in the tournament itself. However, they hit a roadblock midway through, falling out of the top four thanks to two poor batting displays against Sri Lanka and Australia respectively. But, the return of Jason Roy has taken England to another level, with his presence enabling Jonny Bairstow to play with freedom, culminating in England kicking off their innings with partnerships of 123, 160 and 124 in their last three games.

Can Roy and Bairstow repeat what they did against New Zealand in their final game of the group stage? Another strong start here will hold England in great stead, especially considering how well the Black Caps started against India in their Semi Final. A platform sets things up nicely for Joe Root, Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes to play off, as well as giving Jos Buttler the freedom to fire in what has been a slightly under-par last few games.

Also, England’s bowling has gone to another level. Doubts crept in about their ability to win games under pressure when bowling first, but they put those to the side with a fantastic display against Australia. Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer were irresistible early on, focusing on bringing the Australian batsmen forward, which is the template they need to follow against New Zealand’s struggling openers. With Kane Williamson the crucial wicket, England need to target his front foot play as early as possible, with the likes of Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood and Adil Rashid all capable of maintaining the pressure on New Zealand’s middle order.

Also read: How England proved me wrong in the Semi Final

CWC 2019 Final: England v New Zealand Preview Dream11 Prediction. ENG vs NZ Preview Dream11 Prediction. Dream11 for ENG vs NZ Possible Playing 11 Match Prediction. World Cup FInal Cricket Blog CricBlog — CWC 2019 Final: Will Eoin Morgan become the first man to lift a World Cup for England?

Key to a New Zealand win

Matt Henry and Trent Boult were superb against India, setting the game up with an opening burst that shattered the hearts of millions. With England’s openers in great touch, Henry and Boult will be tasked with making inroads once again, creating a sense of panic in the England camp. Indeed, the key for New Zealand is getting England into a state of confusion as to whether they should stick with their own hard-hitting style, or accumulate for an extended period of time to get back into the game. Can New Zealand win the powerplay and then build on it through the likes of Lockie Ferguson, Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner?

Also, it is testament to New Zealand that they are in the World Cup Final without their batting firing. Kane Williamson has carried his side, but he desperately needs support in such a big game. Ross Taylor contributed with a crucial knock last time out, staying calm even with his very slow start to get New Zealand to a defendable score. These two will be key, but can Martin Guptill finally fire? Will his moment of magic spur him onto bigger things in the Final? There is no better time than now for New Zealand to have a strong start, where their all-rounders can look to finish the innings strongly rather than repair damage.

Also read: How New Zealand made India live out their worst nightmare

The many emotions of Kane Williamson.#CalmUnderPressure #NZvIND #IndiavsNewZealand #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/QB8JgBp7ct
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) July 10, 2019

CWC 2019 Final: Super calm Kane.

Pitch and conditions

The forecast is good in London for the Final, with 23 degrees and sunny to greet fans and players. The Lord’s pitch has had something for the bowlers right through the tournament, with the new ball bowlers in particular finding some joy. Here, expect the track to be decent for batting after some early movement, especially considering the slope of the ground.

Possible Playing 11

England have found success with a set team in recent games. Expect them to stick with it.

England: 1. Jonny Bairstow, 2. Jason Roy, 3. Joe Root, 4. Eoin Morgan (c), 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Jos Buttler (wk), 7. Chris Woakes, 8. Jofra Archer, 9. Liam Plunkett, 10. Adil Rashid, 11. Mark Wood

New Zealand should also stick to the same team that won the Semi Final against India.

New Zealand: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Henry Nicholls, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Tom Latham (wk), 6. Jimmy Neesham, 7. Colin de Grandhomme, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Matt Henry, 10. Lockie Ferguson, 11. Trent Boult

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Also read: How England proved me wrong in the Semi Final

Stats and Facts

A new World Champion will be crowned on Sunday.
Head-to-head in World Cups: Matches 9, England 4, New Zealand 5.
England beat New Zealand by 119 runs on July 3.
New Zealand lost their last three matches in the group stage before beating India in the Semi Final.
England have won their last three matches.

Match Prediction

It all comes down to this. Both sides possess quality, which can make this Final one of the best in recent memory.

While it would be great to see Kane Williamson lift the Trophy, I have the feeling England will get the job done. They are playing with confidence, and with home ground advantage behind them, I think they will get the win and lift the World Cup.

Also read: How New Zealand made India live out their worst nightmare

Thanks for reading!

CWC 2019 Semi Final 2 talking points: Australia v England

Charbel Coorey

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July 12, 2019 at 6:09 pm

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CWC 2019 Semi Final 2 talking points: Australia v England. AUS vs ENG: 5 talking points from their World Cup 2019 Semi Final clash

The second Semi Final was highly anticipated. Why wouldn’t it be? Two arch-rivals going head-to-head for a spot in the World Cup Final. The hosts – a team desperate for World Cup success play their biggest rival who have five such triumphs. This was one to look forward to, particularly after a classic first Semi Final.

In the end, one team bottled it, and it wasn’t England. Four years after an embarrassing exit, Eoin Morgan’s transformation project is almost complete as England have reached the next Final. They were excellent, dominating from start to finish after getting rid of their chasing demons in this World Cup (for now).

For Australia, they produced their worst performance at the wrong time, losing their first ever World Cup Semi Final in the process.

Here are five talking points from England’s huge eight-wicket win.

1. England prove doubters wrong in this game

Think about it. England lose two games in a row chasing on pitches that had something for the bowlers. Jonny Bairstow voiced his discontent about the pitches. England then batted first on two good batting tracks, winning both their final games to qualify.

This episode was naturally going to bring about more doubters. Including myself. When England lost the toss, fans may have feared the worst.

However, England were brilliant with the ball. They looked to pitch the ball up a lot more than their disappointing showing against the same opposition at Lord’s. Man of the match Chris Woakes and his new ball partner Jofra Archer were relentless early, with Woakes finding a false shot in 36% of his deliveries in his opening spell. They were then backed up beautifully by Adil Rashid in a game-changing bowling performance to savour, and one more such effort will see them lift their first ever World Cup crown.

2. Steve Smith: big match player

There were murmurs that Steve Smith should not have come back in Australia’s squad. Nonsense. Smith loves the big matches in ODI cricket, and he again proved that fact with an excellent knock amid the carnage.

His last few innings in the group stage were a little underwhelming. However, you always felt this occasion would bring the best out of him. It proved the case, holding things together nicely with the impressive Alex Carey, who fought on after a nasty blow. However, Carey’s dismissal summed up Australia’s day, with the rest of the batsmen – particularly the openers – unable to step up when it really mattered.

Smith now has four consecutive fifties in World Cup knockout matches. It is something he can hold over his great rival, even though it wasn’t enough to deliver victory this time around.

Big match. Team in trouble at 14/3, trust Steve Smith to step up..

The former Australian captain completes his 23rd Half-century, helping Australia recover from an early wobble https://t.co/99LhchgMUS #ENGvAUS #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/9hl9zuZSbo
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) July 11, 2019

CWC 2019 Semi Final 2 talking points: Australia v England: Smith was superb.

3. Time to move on from Maxwell and Stoinis?

Much rested on Australia’s all-rounders heading into the to tournament, tasked with giving the Aussies crucial impetus in the middle order along with their useful overs with the ball. However, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis were the two biggest disappointments in Australia’s World Cup campaign.

Their performances in the Semi Final showed that the effort of the top order throughout CWC 2019 masked a number of issues. Stoinis started every innings more nervously than teenagers without their phones on a first date. He was in total shock that a wrong’un was bowled to him, completely missing the ball out of the hand, which is not good enough by an Australian number six.

Also read:What went wrong for India in their Semi Final?

Maxwell’s dismissal was just as poor, highlighting his lack of reliability right throughout the tournament. What made his dismissal worse is that Jofra Archer already bowled two balls over the shoulder in the over. He had to know what was coming. Yet, he still hung back on the back foot and pushed loosely at the ball, killing off all hope that he could be the one to fire Australia into the Final. If he is to remain in Australia’s team, they have no choice but to send him in as late as possible. If not, the likes of Matthew Wade and Ashton Turner are knocking on the door waiting for an opportunity.

4. Jason Roy’s return has taken England to another level

The only thing Roy has to focus more on is his behaviour towards umpires. Because, the true value of Jason Roy to this England team was on show when he wasn’t. He confirmed just that on his return, elevating England to greater heights in their past three matches.

Australia needed early wickets. Roy, with solid defence and beautiful cover drives, was having none of it. He has not only put pressure on the bowlers through his own batting, but also enabled Jonny Bairstow to play with freedom. Bairstow scored two centuries in a row to end the league stage, and Roy was super dominant against Australia (particularly against poor Steve Smith) to all-but-seal victory. Since Roy returned from a hamstring injury, England’s opening partnerships read: 123 v India, 160 v New Zealand and 124 v Australia.

In the two games where Roy was out injured? 1 and 0.

These three big partnerships were all against capable bowling attacks. If Roy can have another good day on Sunday, England might very well be lifting the Cup for the first ever time, ending years of anguish among England fans. Will this finally be their time?

5. Record-breaking Mitchell Starc

It wasn’t the day he or Australia were after, as their World Cup hopes were reduced to rubble. A sixth triumph wasn’t to be, but Starc had an incredible tournament, even if the finish left a sour taste.

His 27 wickets is now the most by any bowler in a single World Cup in history. Indeed, while the top order for Australia masked cracks, Starc carried the bowling attack, playing a vital role in victories such as the West Indies, Pakistan and New Zealand.

His performances ensured Australia were winning when below their best, and he gave the nation reason to dream once again. He is a terrific bowler, and few can argue if he wins Man of the Tournament, producing magic spell after magic spell to propel Australia to the final four.

It wasn’t to be in the end, but let that take nothing away from a superb effort. Now, we are bound to witness a new World Champion, with New Zealand taking on England for the big prize.

Thanks for reading!

Also read: Brilliant New Zealand make India live out their worries

Ireland v Zimbabwe 2nd T20I Preview Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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July 12, 2019 at 8:44 am

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Ireland v Zimbabwe 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 Prediction. IRE vs ZIM 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 Prediction

The 2019 World Cup Semi Finals are complete, with England and New Zealand progressing through to the Final. Ireland and Zimbabwe will now engage in the 2nd T20I, after the first was washed out.

This series is significant for both sides. Ireland, coming off their first ever ODI series whitewash over a Test nation, will be participating in the World T20 2020 Qualifier in October-November along with Zimbabwe. Both sides need a lift, with next year’s World T20 a chance to compete on the world stage after both missed out on qualification to the ongoing 50-over World Cup. Will it be the same theme as the ODI series, or will Zimbabwe find some form in what has been a tough tour of Europe to date?

Also read: What went wrong for India in their Semi Final?

Key to an Ireland win

Ireland need to have a better T20I series than their last assignment. Their bowlers went the distance in India against Afghanistan. Here, they have the opportunity to improve their bowling against attacking batting. Youngsters make up a significant part of their squad, with Boyd Rankin (if picked) key to making breakthroughs along with the likes of Mark Adair and George Dockrell. Also, we could see the first of Gareth Delany in an Ireland shirt, with the all-rounder keen to make an immediate impact after missing out on any opportunity due to rain a few days ago.

Also, can Ireland’s batsmen build confidence ahead of the World T20 Qualifier? Paul Stirling and Kevin O’Brien were strong as an opening partnership against Afghanistan earlier in the year, and will be key again in getting Ireland off to good starts. Can they pounce on a Zimbabwe side lacking confidence? Will the likes of Andy Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker and Mark Adair ensure momentum is sustained in the remaining overs?

Ireland v Zimbabwe 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 Prediction. IRE vs ZIM 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 Prediction. Dream11 for IRE vs ZIM 12 July 2019 — Ireland v Zimbabwe 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 – Porterfield and O’Brien have experience in Ireland’s youthful T20I squad.

Key to a Zimbabwe win

Zimbabwe’s batting has been a mess in recent times. Early wickets has been the key theme, losing three for not many in each of the three ODIs against Ireland. With confidence low and increasing it crucial, Zimbabwe must produce a strong powerplay they can build on. Will Hamilton Masakadza finally deliver? Can Zimbabwe put together a good performance as a unit, rather than relying on individual efforts i.e. Craig Ervine and Sean Williams?

Also, can the bowlers make inroads? Kyle Jarvis hasn’t picked up the wickets expected of him, but his ability still keeps Ireland on watch. The top three for Ireland will be key wickets, so the aim for Zimbabwe has to be to deliver to Ireland a dose of what they received in the ODIs: early wickets. It is then they can look to effectively target a middle order that lacks some experience.

Another very disappointing display by Zimbabwe.

3-0 whitewash in Ireland follows a 2-0 loss in The Netherlands.

There is enough experience in this Zimbabwe squad to avoid losing 5 straight on a tour like this.#IREvZIM #Cricket
— CricBlog (@cric_blog) July 8, 2019

Ireland v Zimbabwe 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 – Zimbabwe’s batting is not firing.

Pitch and conditions

Poor weather ruined the first T20I. The forecast for the second match is more promising, with overcast conditions and minimal rain expected. The pitch at Belfast had something in it for everyone in the ODIs and could be the case again.

Also read: Brilliant New Zealand make India live out their worries

Possible Playing 11

Ireland: 1. Paul Stirling, 2. Kevin O’Brien, 3. Andy Balbirnie, 4. Gary Wilson (c), 5. Lorcan Tucker, 6. George Dockrell, 7. Mark Adair, 8. Shane Getkate/Gareth Delany, 9. Andy McBrine, 10. Boyd Rankin, 11. Josh Little

Zimbabwe: 1. Hamilton Masakadza (c), 2. Ryan Burl, 3. Craig Ervine, 4. Brendan Taylor (wk), 5. Sean Williams, 6. Sikandar Raza, 7. Solomon Mire, 8. Richmond Mutumbami, 9. Kyle Jarvis, 10. Donald Tiripano/Chris Mpofu, 11. Tendai Chatara

Dream11 Prediction

Also read: Enjoy cricket betting online? Key things you must keep in mind!

Option 1:

Ireland v Zimbabwe 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 Prediction. IRE vs ZIM 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 Prediction. Dream11 for IRE vs ZIM 12th July 2019. Cricket Blog CricBlog — Ireland v Zimbabwe 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

Also read: CWC 2019 2nd Semi Final Preview Dream11: Will pre-tournament favourites England reach the CWC 2019 Final?

Stats and Facts

Ireland and Zimbabwe have met in just one T20I previously.
The Irish won the clash in the 2014 World T20 by three wickets, hitting the winning runs off the final ball.
Zimbabwe’s recent Super-Over win over Netherlands broke a losing streak of 11 matches in T20Is.
Both teams will be participating in the World T20 2020 Qualifier kicking off in the UAE in October.

Match Prediction

Hopefully the weather allows for cricket this time around.

Confidence is crucial ahead of the World T20 Qualifier, and Ireland are playing with greater freedom. Ireland to win and take a 1-0 series lead with one game to play after this.

Also read: Where to now for Afghanistan after team management’s rubbish hurt their World Cup campaign?

Thanks for reading!

CWC 2019 Semi Final 1 talking points: India v New Zealand

Charbel Coorey

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July 11, 2019 at 8:52 am

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CWC 2019 Semi Final 1 talking points: India v New Zealand. IND vs NZ: 5 key talking points from the first 2019 World Cup Semi Final

The beauty of cricket in two days. India were hot favourites for this game having finished top of the league stage. One of the favourites to the lift the trophy from the beginning. Surely, they would get through the Semi Final against a side struggling recently, and against whom they won 4-1 in their own backyard earlier in the year?

New Zealand weren’t given much of a chance in this match. They looked the more favourable opponent after crawling into the Semi Finals. Perhaps even fortunately. Their batting reflected the struggle that has been associated with their campaign. Martin Guptill looked like he could knock out anyone who would come within five yards of him after being dismissed early again.

In the end, he was the man who delivered the final clutch moment. New Zealand were jubilant, even though Kane Williamson dared not to show it, knowing the job is just half done. Despite a number of contrasts, he has matched Brendon McCullum’s feat in getting New Zealand to a World Cup Final. Like the Semi Final of the 2015 edition, it was one to remember.

Indeed, this match had it all. What a ride it was. Here are five talking points from a classic ODI match.

1. New Zealand’s batting approach justified

It takes a lot of guts to make the call that the pitch – which looked good to the eye – will be as challenging for the opposition as it is for you. New Zealand were crawling in the first half of their innings, reminiscent of their crawl to the Semi Finals. Martin Guptill was out cheaply, Ross Taylor couldn’t get going early and Kane Williamson hit out trying to up the ante.

Even the score predictor believed New Zealand should and would up the ante. 288 was still considered possible at the halfway mark with New Zealand still 17 away from 100. However, they never panicked. Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor played crucial knocks, knowing they could back their bowlers with a score in the region of 240, especially if they make India live out their worst nightmares. They did.

2. India’s worst nightmares come the fore

India were one of the favourites for the World Cup. They were even the team to beat with the form of their top three and England’s mid-tournament slump. However, at the back of everyone’s mind was the 2017 Champions Trophy Final: what happens if their top three is dismissed cheaply in a big game? Will their unfinished search for the right combinations come back to haunt them?

Rohit Sharma had a fantastic campaign. He will be opener in the team of the tournament. However, he offered chances – five to be exact – over the course of the campaign. He had to be chance-less in such a big game as luck is always bound to run out. It wasn’t the case. With Virat Kohli and KL Rahul then following within the first five overs, India’s Achilles heel was reality in a chase in a knockout match. All you had to do was check Twitter to capture the mood.

Surely, going forward, India need to look at ways to ensure that there isn’t too much reliance on their top three. MS Dhoni tried his best, but the lack of strike rotation from India’s middle order in this tournament was something they didn’t want to encounter in the knockouts. Is Kohli the answer to their longstanding number four problem? Will they give the likes of Rishabh Pant longer rope in the coming years? Can they stick to combinations? We shall see.

3. Bits and pieces cricketer?

Sanjay Manjrekar is the subject of much criticism. After his comments regarding Ravindra Jadeja, it is easy to see why. Michael Vaughan joined the millions shocked at the statement, so much so that it got him blocked on Twitter.

BREAKING NEWS .. I have been blocked by @sanjaymanjrekar .. !!! #CWC19
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 9, 2019

Manjrekar was so wrong about calling Jadeja a “bits and pieces” cricketer that New Zealand were left to deal with a five-star Jadeja. The comments actually helped take India so close, spurring Jadeja on beyond the world of social media, delivering an incredible all-round performance to nearly get India home. 2/34, a bullet run out to dismiss Taylor, a great catch next ball to save even more runs and then one of the all-time World Cup knockout epics showed Jadeja’s value as a cricketer. His gesture to the commentary box after reaching 50 said it all. It is time for India to play him more often in ODIs.

Also read: CWC 2019 2nd Semi Final Preview Dream11: Will pre-tournament favourites England reach the CWC 2019 Final?

4. Kane Williamson’s captaincy + New Zealand’s bowling and fielding magnificent

‘Swing’ was the key word on everyone’s lips. The first few overs would dictate the run chase. New Zealand had to strike multiple times early. It certainly turned out to be the case with India suffering that nightmare start.

Matt Henry showed why he has been preferred ahead of Tim Southee – the early wicket of Rohit Sharma rocked India to its core. Trent Boult, who had a slowish start to the campaign, has delivered when his side has needed him to – the wicket of Virat Kohli was like an earthquake in the hearts of India fans. Then, enter Lockie Ferguson and Mitchell Santner, and New Zealand were in prime position to build further pressure. The captaincy of Kane Williamson elicited calm and composure right till the end. He really is a gem.

This is before mentioning New Zealand’s incredible fielding. Tom Latham was a rock behind the stumps. Jimmy Neesham’s catch to dismiss Dinesh Karthik was so good that even straight men fell more in love with ‘Neesh’.

Then came the main course.

Martin Guptill has had a poor tournament. His face in the changing room after getting dismissed cheaply again told the story. However, he delivered such a big clutch moment that broke the hearts of hundreds of millions, running out India’s last hope with an unbelievable pick up and throw in the penultimate over to all-but-seal victory. Ian Smith’s amazing commentary just added to the spectacle. Could this be the moment that spurs Guptill on to go big in the Final? New Zealand would hope so.

"Oh direct hit! Is this the World Cup? It's Martin Guptill! Is this the final!?"

Just one word to describe Ian Smith's commentary in those nervy final moments of #INDvNZ – Passionate. #CWC19 | #BackTheBlackCaps pic.twitter.com/qJ1lzty0zP
— ICC (@ICC) July 10, 2019

CWC 2019 Semi Final 1 talking points: Ian Smith at his best.

5. Virat Kohli’s terrible record in World Cup knockouts

Virat Kohli in World Cup knockouts
24 (33) vs Aus
9 (21) vs Pak
35 (49) vs SL
3 (8) vs BAN
1 (13) vs AUS
1 (6) vs NZ
Inns – 6
Runs – 73
Avg – 12.1
SR – 56.1#CWC19
— JSK (@imjsk27) July 10, 2019

CWC 2019 Semi Final 1 talking points: Kohli’s poor record.

Virat Kohli is one of the all-time greats in ODI Cricket. His name has to be mentioned when discussing the best ODI batsmen of all time, given how prolific he has been for a number of years.

However, his record in World Cup knockouts can work against him. The marginal LBW call against him was another low score in such games for Kohli. It was a fatal mistake, with his front foot well outside the line of off-stump against an in-swinging delivery.

In six innings, he has scored just 73 runs at 12.1. His important 35 against Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup Final makes up nearly half his runs in WC knockouts, which is not the kind of return expected of such a player.

All things being equal, he will have at least one more World Cup to get it right. That too at home. For now, though, it is a matter of what could have been.

Also read: CWC 2019 2nd Semi Final Preview Dream11: Will pre-tournament favourites England reach the CWC 2019 Final?

Thanks for reading!

CWC 2019 Semi Final 2: Australia v England Preview Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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July 9, 2019 at 8:44 am

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CWC 2019 Semi Final 2: Australia v England Preview Dream11. AUS vs ENG Preview Dream11 Prediction

Hearts will be beating fast. Twitter accounts are on the line. One of the biggest rivalries in World Cricket takes centre stage as hosts England play arch-rivals Australia for a spot in the 2019 World Cup Final.

Australia face the hosts and pre-tournament favourites after losing their final group game against South Africa. Injury concerns will be another test of Australia’s resolve, with their reputation of overcoming adversity to come to the fore again. Often below their best in CWC 2019, Australia still managed to pick up crucial wins along the way to become the first team to have qualified, including a convincing win over England at Lord’s. However, the possible selections – including no Glenn Maxwell – looks a risk.

?| A #CWC19 selection bombshell with Glenn Maxwell facing the axe for Australia's semi-final against England: https://t.co/HMwVjHrqYM @SamLandsberger
— Herald Sun Sport (@heraldsunsport) July 9, 2019

It was far from smooth going for England in the group stage. Defeats to Sri Lanka and Australia had even their most ardent believers losing a little faith, eventually sitting outside the top four before their final two games against India and New Zealand. However, England held their nerve well, batting strongly first up to set up their final two victories to seal their Semi Final spot. Will England knock the arch enemy out of the World Cup and reach the Final?

Also read: Can this England side be considered ‘great’ even if they go onto win the World Cup?