Eoin Morgan-led England is a win away to script the glory, so as, New Zealand. In the ICC World Cup 2019, the two teams had a mixed show in the league stage fixtures before producing an outstanding display in two different knockout stage fixtures to make it to the grand finale of the ICC World Cup 2019.
Concurrently, Morgan is leading the Three Lions in the final of the World Cup at Lord’s.
To talk about both teams, they’re yet to lift the coveted trophy. Also, it would be the first time that a new champion will lift the title. In 1996, Sri Lanka was the latest World Cup when they thumped Australia at Lahore.
Above all, with both teams on the cusp of creating a history, hosts had entered the tournament as overwhelming favourites. On the side, the Black Caps were referred to as ‘dark horses’ and ‘underdogs’ with canine metaphor amusing Kiwis skipper Kane Williamson during the pressers.
In the semis, England trounced Australia by eight wickets in a lop-sided encounter on Thursday (July 11).
In the league stage, fixtures England lost to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka before making a strong comeback to make it to the semis.
Eoin Morgan maintains they will enjoy the game:
Meanwhile, with Kiwis coming on the back of a win against No. 1 ODI ranked team, Morgan has praised Kiwis by saying they’re the ‘hardest team to beat’ while taking the whole tourney in a consideration.
“I think New Zealand throughout the whole tournament have probably been the hardest side to beat,” Morgan told
media ahead of the finale.
Also, the southpaw and England’s middle-order batsman reiterated that they wouldn’t show any complacency against the Black Caps. He also admitted the fact that it won’t be easy for them to get over the line against the Kiwis.
Kiwis put up a grand show in semis:
Morgan had lauded how Kiwis had produced scintillating show against India. However, the optimistic English captain is happy to face the challenge.
“I think their performance in the semi-final was probably their best. They will be a difficult side to beat on Sunday, so we are looking forward to the challenge,” Morgan added.
The 33-year-old Morgan also maintained that they’re going to enjoy the game. Besides, Williamson won the toss and opted to bat first.
New Zealand posted 84 for one in 19 overs.