England and New Zealand are currently playing the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Kane Williamson called it right at the toss and chose to bat first without any hesitation.
Both the teams defeated the top two teams in the semi-finals to make it to the title clash. While many are touting the hosts to be the favourites to lift the trophy, New Zealand will be happy to stay under the radar and punch above their weight.
They have also won the toss which has been very vital in this World Cup.
But former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar thinks that Eoin Morgan-led England will defy all the odds to win the World Cup this time. Rather the records are against the home team at the moment. The team sitting in the away dressing room has always won the World Cup final at Lord’s and England have lost all three finals before while chasing itself.
“Pressure plays a big role in big matches. England is a big team. I think they will create history at Lord’s by winning their first ever 50-over World Cup. New Zealand needs to perform in all departments of the game,” Akhtar said in a video posted on his official YouTube channel.
“Jos Buttler should bat at top of the order, and if he gets the opportunity he will score big runs for the team. I hope for a thrilling match, it would be disappointing to see a batting collapse in the finals,” he added.
England entered the final by virtue of destroying defending champions Australia while New Zealand got the better of India in a closely fought encounter. Both teams will, therefore, now be eager to end their respective title droughts at the ‘Home of Cricket’.
