Jofra Archer needed to defend 15 against New Zealand in the super-over. He conceded 15. But England lifted their maiden World Cup trophy by virtue of scoring more boundaries after CWC 2019 final remained unsolved despite going into super-overs. The game remained tied after 50 overs and it was the same when super-over came to an end.  New Zealand vs England Live Cricket Score ICC World Cup 2019 Final Match.

Ben Stokes's heroics helped England tie the game in the normal stage with both teams tied on 241 after 50 overs. But England had hit 23 boundaries compared to New Zealand's 13 and that was it. England became champions for the first time in their cricketing history.

England restricted New Zealand to 241/8 after the latter had won the toss and opted to bat first. Chris Woakes and Liam Plunkett took three-wickets each with the latter even becoming the second highest wicket-taker in the middle overs of CWC 2019, with 11 wickets to his name. Woakes bowled peach of a delivery to castle Martin Guptill plumb in front of the wicket before Plunkett Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson (30) and half-centurion Henry Nicholls to leave New Zealand tottering.

Nicholls’ half-century coupled with Tom Latham’s fighting 47 helped New Zealand post 241 at the end of 50 overs. The lower-order of Jimmy Neesham (19) and Colin de Grandhomme (16) also made vital contributions in helping the Black Cap reach that score.

But with the ball moving around New Zealand were never out of the game and Trent Boult showed just why they couldn’t be ever written off. The left-arm pacer nearly had England’s semi-final hero Jason Roy in the very first delivery but umpires call of not out overruled the review.

Matt Henry eventually dismissed Roy for 17 before Lockie Ferguson, de Grandhomme and Neesham strangled England to 86/4. Buttler and Stokes made a century-run partnership to rescue their side but Buttler’s wicket at an important moment left both in the middle of nowhere.

But Ben Stokes and his bat, gloves and body carried England single-handedly. 7 runs came from the 46th, five from the next leaving England 33 to get from the final three overs. Stokes took 19 from the next two leaving him with 15 to get from the final over from Trent Boult.

The first two were dots, the third for a mammoth six. But it the fourth delivery that changed the game's course. Stokes clubbed a full-toss to deep mid-wicket and stormed for a two. But Martin Guptill's throw hit Stokes' arm and raced away towards the boundary. All the English all-rounder could do was to lift his hands in apology but England were in the driver's seat.

Three from two said the scoreboard. Stokes miscued Boult's fifth delivery to long-on and ran two but lost Adil Rashid to a run-out. One ball and two runs to get. Boult bowled another full-toss that called to be hit. But Stokes didn't want to risk it - not England's chances and hopes - he hit another to long-on and set off and again Mark Wood was run-out. Game tied.

Buttler and Stokes stepped out again and got 15 runs in six deliveries with the former hitting Boult for two boundaries. For England came Jofra Archer - the man they said could help them lift the title. the man, who was supposed to be their X-factor in CWC 2019. And that's what is.

The highest Jofra Archer had conceded in a single-over was 15 in entire CWC 2019 tournament. That was exact run he conceded against New Zealand in the super over. New Zealand fell one run short but the game was still tied. But England had hit more boundaries than New Zealand during the 50 overs span.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2019 12:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).