On July 14, 2019, cricket fans around the globe witnessed one of the most dramatic and unforgettable World Cup finals ever played. England clinched their first 50-over World Cup victory at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, defeating New Zealand in a nail-biting finish that ended in a super over. However, the highlight of the day, and the subject of much debate since, was the controversial ‘boundary count’ rule that ultimately decided the outcome.

Background of the 2019 ODI World Cup

Following a disappointing exit in the 2015 World Cup, England’s cricket team underwent a significant transformation under the leadership of Eoin Morgan. They revamped their approach to white-ball cricket, focusing on aggressive batting and versatile bowling. By the time the 2019 World Cup arrived, England were considered a favorite. Despite setbacks in the group stages with losses to Pakistan and Australia, they rebounded strongly to secure a place in the semi-finals and subsequently the final.

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New Zealand, known for their consistent performances in ICC tournaments, entered the 2019 World Cup with high hopes. Led by the calm and collected Kane Williamson, the Kiwis showcased their resilience and tactical prowess throughout the tournament. They reached the final after a thrilling semi-final victory against India, setting the stage for a memorable showdown at Lord’s.

The Final Match: England vs. New Zealand

The atmosphere at Lord’s on July 14, 2019, was electric. Cricket fans from around the world gathered to witness what promised to be a thrilling contest between two deserving teams.

New Zealand’s innings

Batting first, New Zealand posted a total of 241/8 in their 50 overs. Contributions from Henry Nicholls and Tom Latham were vital, but it was a collective effort from the team that set a competitive target.

New Zealand faced disciplined bowling from England, with Chris Woakes and Liam Plunkett making key breakthroughs. Despite the challenges, the Kiwis managed to put up a fighting total, setting the stage for a thrilling chase.

England’s Innings

Chasing a target of 242, England faced early setbacks. The loss of key wickets put them in a precarious position, and at 86/4, their World Cup dreams seemed to be slipping away. However, the resilience of Ben Stokes and the steady hand of Jos Buttler kept them in the game.

The partnership between Stokes and Buttler was crucial. They not only stabilized the innings but also kept the required run rate in check. Their combined efforts brought England within reach of the target, setting up a dramatic final over.

The dramatic final over

In the final over of the match, England needed 15 runs to win. The tension was palpable. Ben Stokes played a pivotal role, but it was a controversial moment when a throw from New Zealand’s Martin Guptill deflected off Stokes’ bat and went to the boundary, adding six crucial runs to England’s total. This moment turned the tide, leading to a tie and forcing the match into a super over.

The controversial boundary count rule

The boundary count rule, which was in place during the 2019 World Cup, stated that in the event of a tie in the super over, the team with the higher number of boundaries throughout the match would be declared the winner. This rule, relatively unknown to many fans, became the focal point of the controversy.

Both teams ended the super over with identical scores. However, England were declared the winner based on their superior boundary count (26 boundaries to New Zealand’s 17). This decision, while within the rules, sparked widespread debate and criticism.

In response to the widespread criticism, the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to scrap the boundary count rule for future tournaments. The new rules ensured that tied matches in knockout stages would be resolved by repeated super overs until a clear winner emerged.

Ben Stokes: The hero of final

Ben Stokes’ performance in the final was nothing short of heroic. His unbeaten 84 in the regular innings and his crucial role in the super over cemented his place as one of England’s greatest cricketers.

Stokes’ journey from controversy to redemption added to the narrative. His resilience and determination were key factors in England’s victory, and his actions on that day are remembered as legendary.