England celebrate winning the ICC World Cup during the ICC World Cup Final at Lord's, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday July 14, 2019. See PA story CRICKET England. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use. Still image use only. (Image: PA Wire)
It seemed as though nothing could separate them from New Zealand, with the sides battling to an unprecedented tie, both sides locked on 241 after 100 overs of nerve-shredding tension that cast Ben Stokes as the home side's hero of the hour.
That paved the way for a super over, a six-ball shoot-out that had only occurred 11 times in international history and never before in an ODI.
Incredibly, the teams went blow-for-blow once again, Stokes and Jos Buttler hitting 15 off Trent Boult before Jofra Archer conceded 14 off his first five deliveries.
The Barbados-born bowler, the least experienced player on either side, held his nerve as Martin Guptill forced the ball into the off-side and came back for a second that would have taken the trophy.
England celebrate winning the ICC World Cup during the ICC World Cup Final at Lord's, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday July 14, 2019. See PA story CRICKET England. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use. Still image use only. (Image: PA Wire)
Enter Jason Roy, who picked up cleanly despite unimaginable pressure and hurled a flat, decisive throw towards Buttler, who scattered the stumps as Guptill scrambled.
Tied once again, England triumphed on account of boundaries scored in the original 50-over match, a technocratic decider in a contest that proved impossible to settle any other way.
England players celebrate on the balcony after winning the ICC World Cup Final at Lord's, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday July 14, 2019. See PA story CRICKET England. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use. Still image use only. (Image: PA Wire)
New Zealand's James Neesham (right) in action during the super over during the ICC World Cup Final at Lord's, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday July 14, 2019. See PA story CRICKET England. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use. Still image use only. (Image: PA Wire)
England and New Zealand fans react as they watch a big screen in the Fanzone at Trafalgar Square during the Cricket World Cup Final between New Zealand and England at the ICC Fanzone, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday July 14, 2019. See PA story CRICKET England. Photo credit should read: Chris Radburn/PA Wire (Image: PA Wire)
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