Kane Williamson reflects on the heart-stopping World Cup final against England

New Zealand were at the receiving end of ICC tie-breaker rules in the World Cup 2019 final.

Kane Williamson and company were left shattered after the World Cup final | Getty

New Zealand were at the receiving end of ICC tie-breaker rules in the World Cup 2019 final against England at Lord’s on July 14. The two teams posted 241 in their allotted 50 overs before the game went into the Super Over where once again they levelled tie. However, the hosts were declared winner on the basis of boundary count.

Almost two months later, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson reflected on that heart-stopping finale, saying he was fortunate to have been involved in such a fantastic game.

"It’s one of those things that every day, often, you're having small conversations about it. Guys are still thinking about it, trying to make sense of it. That's credit to the match we were involved in, but also the result and how it all ended up ... One of those things that guys will be talking about for a long time," Williamson told ICC.

"It's one of those games which, no doubt, you’ll look back on and really have appreciated being involved in it. Then you throw in a bit of context – the World Cup final – and it maybe makes it all that more special,” he added.

For his inspirational leadership and 578 runs from 9 innings, Williamson was adjudged Player-of-the-Tournament at the quadrennial event.

Soon after the final, the 29-year-old was also nominated for the New Zealander of the Year award.

"It was really nice coming back home and seeing the reaction it had, and the following it had. It's been overwhelmingly positive in terms of the response and how people enjoyed that match, which is a great thing," he said.

Williamson recognized the unity in his side as a strength that helped them excel in tough situations.

"We had a huge amount of fun along the way," he said. "The thing I'd be most proud of is the way we stuck together as a side and stayed true to the sort of cricket we wanted to play throughout the campaign ... We've got a great bunch of guys in the side that keep each other honest. We know that we want to be true to ourselves in terms of the way we conduct ourselves on and off the park."

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 11 Sep, 2019

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