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The 2019 ICC World Cup ended with the host country, England winning against New Zealand with a super over. After 27 years of waiting, the team achieved a new milestone for England cricket history. Meanwhile, New Zealand is in devastation. The Black Caps captain, Kane Williamson admitted that their team’s defeat was ‘hard to swallow’. But, the team took it easy and showed their sportsmanship towards their defeat.
Williamson congratulated England for their victory: “Congratulations to England on a fantastic campaign. It’s been challenging, the pitches have been a little different to what we expected. Lots of talk of 300-plus scores, but we haven’t seen many of those.” the New Zealand captain said at the gala post-match presentation ceremony
Going back to the match, England finished on 241 chasing New Zealand’s 241-8. The opposing teams tied at 15 at the end of the six-ball Super Over. There is also a controversy surrounding the Man of the Match, England’s Ben Stokes because of unusual circumstances that occurred in the match. During the match, the ball bounced off his bat as he dives to make a second run. Stokes immediately raised his hands to apologize for the incident, having no intention to deflect the ball.
It may be devastating for New Zealand but they have a reason to celebrate. Williamson was awarded as the Player of the Tournament for scoring 578 runs and for his brilliant performance and outstanding leadership to his team. The award was handed to him by the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, the former captain of the Indian Cricket team.
Williamson praised his team and their efforts during the match. “I’d like to thank the New Zealand team for the fight they showed to keep us in the tournament and get us this far. A tie in the final. So many parts to it. The players are shattered at the moment. Obviously, it’s devastating. They’ve performed at such a high level through the tournament.”
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