Hosts England will play New Zealand in Sunday's Cricket World Cup final 2019 after thrashing reigning champions Australia by eight wickets in their last-four clash. The Black Caps booked their place in the display at Lord's on Wednesday by producing a tremendous win over India.England beat New Zealand by 119 runs in the group stages of the tournament on July 3, and both teams will head into the final in London looking to lift the trophy for the first time.
England produced their best performance of the World Cup on Thursday to knock out old rivals Australia in some style and book their place in the final. Bowlers Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer sent the home team on their way by helping dismiss the Aussies for 223. Meanwhile, openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow again came up with the goods, producing a partnership of 124. Joe Root and Eoin Morgan then ensured England completed the victory with 17.5 overs to spare.
However, captain Morgan is refusing to get carried away by his team's victory. England will also be hoping Bairstow is fit after requiring treatment for an injury on the Edgbaston pitch in Birmingham against Australia. Morgan did not seem too worried about his fellow opener after the match. "I'm not sure what it was, but he seemed to move alright after it, so it is not very concerning, I don't think. It might be a niggle; we don't know until he is scanned, but after it, he seemed to move well, so that's a good sign."
New Zealand are into the final for the second World Cup in a row. The Black Caps were beaten by England, Pakistan and Australia in the group stage to finish fourth, but they responded by producing a stunning performance to beat India by 18 runs in the semi-final. The bowlers were the heroes for New Zealand. Trent Boult and Matt Henry made a brilliant start to leave India reeling at five for three, and the Black Caps' bowling attack should pose a serious threat:
The Kiwis were beaten by Australia in the final of the 2015 tournament that each country co-hosted, but captain Kane Williamson says things are different this time around. "It's a different feeling to last time," the prolific No. 3 batsman said. "We've had to skin it over the round robin, so it's been quite different. A lot of heart has been shown by the guys so far, but we're keeping our feet on the ground. It was a great semi-final, and we're happy to be on the right side of it."
Both teams will head into Sunday's final with plenty of momentum, but England, the world's top-ranked ODI side, will be favourites having already tasted victory over the Black Caps at this tournament.
