The cricket World Cup will have a new winner on Sunday as New Zealand take on hosts England at the Home of Cricket, Lord's, on the 14th of July. Coming off the back of a spectacular win against Australia in the semi-finals, England are clear favourites for this match but the Kiwis, after a mid-tournament slump, recovered remarkably to test India in the semi-finals and beat them comprehensively. Much of Sunday's battle will be decided by New Zealand's bowling vs England's batting.
Weather and Pitch Conditions: The Lord's track has hosted four matches this World Cup and each time the team batting first have won. The weather is clear and the pitch should be good for batting up front. It is expected to slow down in the second half.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Tom Latham (8 credits)
At only 8 credits, Tom Latham is just not a cheap pick but also helps you in fitting the big guns in the batting category. That Jos Buttler hasn't hit top gear in this World Cup further helps this selection. Latham showed signs of form in the final league game with a half-century and should find the Lord's track to his liking.
Batsman: Kane Williamson (10.5 credits)
The only New Zealand batsman with 400-plus runs in this World Cup, skipper Kane Williamson has set the tournament on fire with his composure and resilience. In his last 17 knocks in this country, Williamson has scored 40-plus on 16 occasions, underlining his fantasy value. He is
The cricket World Cup will have a new winner on Sunday as New Zealand take on hosts England at the Home of Cricket, Lord's, on the 14th of July. Coming off the back of a spectacular win against Australia in the semi-finals, England are clear favourites for this match but the Kiwis, after a mid-tournament slump, recovered remarkably to test India in the semi-finals and beat them comprehensively. Much of Sunday's battle will be decided by New Zealand's bowling vs England's batting.
Weather and Pitch Conditions: The Lord's track has hosted four matches this World Cup and each time the team batting first have won. The weather is clear and the pitch should be good for batting up front. It is expected to slow down in the second half.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Tom Latham (8 credits)
At only 8 credits, Tom Latham is just not a cheap pick but also helps you in fitting the big guns in the batting category. That Jos Buttler hasn't hit top gear in this World Cup further helps this selection. Latham showed signs of form in the final league game with a half-century and should find the Lord's track to his liking.
Batsman: Kane Williamson (10.5 credits)
The only New Zealand batsman with 400-plus runs in this World Cup, skipper Kane Williamson has set the tournament on fire with his composure and resilience. In his last 17 knocks in this country, Williamson has scored 40-plus on 16 occasions, underlining his fantasy value. He is the ideal choice for captaincy too given that he gives security in terms of points.
All-rounder: Ben Stokes (9.5 credits)
Stokes is the only all-rounder who has been pretty much consistent with bat and ball in this World Cup. He has made tough runs under difficult circumstances and also stands out with his outfielding and back of a length bowling. His all-round qualities make him a player you should not ignore.
Bowler: Jofra Archer (9 credits)
In his maiden World Cup, Jofra Archer has lived up to his big reputation and has taken 19 wickets in the tournament so far. He is the third highest wicket-taker in the tournament and anything more than two wickets should see him go above Mustafizur Rahman at second place. Archer's abilities with the new ball and in the death overs make him an indispensable pick.
Captain: Kane Williamson
Vice-captain: Jofra Archer
Predicted Playing XI:
England: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
New Zealand:Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Colin de Grandhomme, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson