England claimed their maiden World Cup triumph in the most dramatic fashion, edging out New Zealand after an unprecedented Super Over.
Here, PA examines the five key moments from a nerve-jangling finale at Lord's.
Unprecedented Super Over separates the sides
A World Cup final has just been tied off 50 overs, tied off the Super Over, and decided by superior boundary count.
Let that sink in.#CWC19Final | #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/gCQinnPJAV
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 14, 2019
Jason Roy's throw and Jos Buttler's stumping ran out Martin Guptill on the last ball of a first-ever Super Over handed England the World Cup trophy. That run out meant England and New Zealand both posted 15 runs from their single overs, that acted as extra time after both teams hit 241 in 50 overs. And with yet another tie, England swiped the silverware by virtue of their superior number of boundaries from their regular innings.
Bizarre fielding blips help England inch to the tie
What a game! Ben Stokes, flat out, but unbeaten.#CWC19Final pic.twitter.com/1XopHaR1qX
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 14, 2019
As Ben Stokes stretched for home on a risky second run, Martin Guptill fired for the stumps. Stokes' bat not only denied Guptill a run-out, it also shot the ball for a freak boundary. The two runs and four byes edged England to the first-ever World Cup final tie. Had Trent Boult not touched the boundary rope when holding a catch from Stokes, the England talisman would not even have been still out in the middle. Boult held firm with the catch but stepping on the rope meant six runs for Stokes, and not the key dismissal New Zealand required.
Stokes punches away Neesham in key strike
Stokes is always at his tub-thumping best when beating his chest and taking on all comers. So when the gritty all-rounder thumped Jimmy Neesham for a dart-straight four, he signalled the cavalry charge in stunning, unflinching style. With England 100 for four in the 28th over of their chase for 242 and World Cup glory, Stokes' technically adept and clinically pugnacious shot completely changed the tone of this match – and the destination of the trophy. His unbeaten 84 set up that unprecedented Super Over finish on a day of unrivalled tension.
Buttler blisters back to form and the rescue
5️⃣0️⃣ for Jos Buttler!
What a knock it's been, coming from just 53 balls. He's reignited England's chase 🔥
Can he finish the job or is there another twist in the tale?#CWC19 | #CWC19Final | #WeAreEngland pic.twitter.com/mWgrvXfrSi
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 14, 2019
The most bruising of England's muscle-bound big hitters raced into this tournament with a century against Pakistan and 64 against Bangladesh. But then not only did Buttler's runs dry up, but his form also evaporated. Seven matches without a score, and one of England's top stars suddenly found himself shunted around the order and clawing away at a foothold. But just when England needed him most, the real Buttler returned. Coming to the crease at 86 for four and with captain Morgan trudging back to the pavilion, Buttler set about building a lasting partnership with Ben Stokes. Where England had failed to compose any kind of pairing beforehand, Buttler and Stokes prevailed, however, with a stunning 110-run partnership. Buttler's 59 in 60 balls set England en route, leaving Stokes to drag England to the 50-over tie.
Plunkett bags danger man Williamson
That England somehow found a way to drop Liam Plunkett earlier in this tournament now beggars belief. The most prolific One-Day International wicket taker between overs 11 and 40 not only forced his way back into England's first-choice XI in this competition but he has now played a pivotal role in their maiden World Cup triumph. Because here Plunkett reinforced his reputation as the talisman slayer. Add the key wicket of Kiwi captain Kane Williamson to that of Quinton De Kock, Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli, in a stunning World Cup performance. England even had to review the decision on Williamson to send him packing but such is the confidence in Plunkett now that skipper Morgan had zero hesitation. The 34-year-old is on top of the world: his ascent to the summit rates among the most circuitous but now no one will begrudge him this new status.
