Ahead of CWC 2019 Final, A Look at New Zealand’s Remarkable Journey in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Tournament

Repeating their heroics of last World Cup, New Zealand fixed their spot in the final of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. The Kane Williamson-led side defeated mighty India in the semi-final by 18 runs, and will now face host England at Lord’s, London in the final on July 14, 2019. Likewise, England defeated Australia in the other semi-final by 8 wickets on Thursday in what was perceived as a one-sided encounter. England vs New Zealand, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Final: CWC Set For a First-Time Champion as Eoin Morgan And Co. Take On The Black Caps at Lord's. 

New Zealand, popularly known as Blackcaps, started with a bang in World Cup 2019 by defeating Sri Lanka by 10 wickets. While the former World Cup finalists were leading the table at the start, their consecutive losses during the end of group stage saw them finishing fourth at the points table just above Pakistan, who also accounted for an equal number of points. As Kiwis aim to bag their first-ever World Cup title, we look at their amazing journey in CWC 2019 which has given them an opportunity to become World Champions. India vs New Zealand Highlights of Semi-Final Match: India Crash Out of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. 

New Zealand’s journey to the Final of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

Starting their World Cup journey in style, Kiwis registered a massive victory over Sri Lanka by 10 wickets. Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson bagged 3 wickets each to shatter Sir Lanka's batting, who managed only 136 runs. Then, openers Martin Guptill (73*) and Colin Munro (58*) shined while batting with individual fifties each, reaching the target in just 16.1 overs.

New Zealand vs Bangladesh at Kennington Oval, London

Bangladesh scored 244/10 in 49.2 overs while batting first with a half-century by Shakib Al Hasan (64). In response, Ross Taylor played an innings of 82 runs which helped Kiwis to eventually clinch victory in the nail-biting clash by two wickets.

New Zealand vs Afghanistan at The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton

With four wickets by Lockie Ferguson and five wickets by James Neesham, Kiwis ended Afghanistan's batting at just 172-10. Later, Kane Williamson (79) played a great unbeaten knock to take his team to victory by seven wickets.

New Zealand vs India at Trent Bridge, Nottingham

The heavy rains at Nottingham forced the match to get abandoned as India, New Zealand were allotted 1-1 point each.

New Zealand vs South Africa at Edgbaston, Birmingham

South Africa posted a commendable total of 241-6 in 49 overs with the fifties by Hashim Amla (55) and Rassie van der Dussen (67). However, New Zealand knocked down the target with 4 wickets remaining with a much-applauded century by Kane Williamson (106*) and a half-century by Colin de Grandhomme (60).

New Zealand vs West Indies at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

In the close clash, West Indies almost bagged victory while chasing 292 after marvellous batting by Carlos Brathwaite (101). Unfortunately, WI went short of just 5 runs after Brathwaite’s flying shot at long leg fell into hands of Trent Boult near the boundary.

New Zealand vs Pakistan at Edgbaston, Birmingham

This ended the winning streak for Kiwis in World Cup 2019. Pakistan, who needed to win to keep their journey in World Cup 2019 alive, comfortably defeated New Zealand by six wickets with a brilliant bowling attack and patient batting. Kiwis scored 237 with an unbeaten 97-run knock by James Neesham. In response, Babar Azam hit a century (101*) to take Pakistan to victory by 6 wickets.

New Zealand vs Australia at Lord's, London

New Zealand’s defeats in World Cup 2019 continued against Australia, to whom they lost by 86 runs while chasing 244. A five-wicket haul by Mitchell Starc saw Kiwis getting shattered while chasing the target.

New Zealand vs England at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street

England, who needed to win in order to confirm their semi-final ticket, scored mammoth 305/8 while opting to bat first. Jonny Bairstow smashed 106 to uplift England’s batting. Kiwis remained far too short of the target and were bowled out for just 186 in 45 overs.

New Zealand vs India – 1st Semi-Final at Old Trafford, Manchester

Finishing on the fourth spot on the CWC 2019 points table, Blackcaps had to face India. The match was affected by rains on the first day after New Zealand reached 211/5 in 46.1 overs. When the match resumed on the reserve day, Kiwis posted 239/8. During India’s chase, the Kane-Williamson led side came up with a spectacular pace attack, crushing India’s top order within 10 overs. Although Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni smashed a 116-run knock to keep the match alive, Kiwis emerged champions after winning the match by 18 runs in the end. MS Dhoni in New Zealand Team? Kane Williamson Has This To Say After IND vs NZ CWC 2019 Semi-Final Match; Watch Video. 

In spite of ending CWC 2019 points table at the fourth position, New Zealand proved that they are worthy contenders of World Cup 2019 trophy after outshining India in semis. The final berth also revealed Kiwi’s consistency in the tournament, since they also reached the final in the last edition. New Zealand lost to Australia in the final of World Cup 2015 by seven wickets. Hence this time, they will leave no stones unturned in the final against England to enter their name among World Cup champions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 12, 2019 12:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).