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It all started on 30th May when England squared off against South Africa to cut the ribbon and commence ICC World Cup 2019. Thereon cricket enthusiasts have been treated with utmost drama that has come with the quadrennial competition.
Numerous classics, loads of surprises and ultimate portrayal of dedication has been witnessed at the World Cup stage in England and it is fair to say that the tournament didn't fail to mesmerize us!
Ardent followers of ICC World Cup have cherished the joy ride as after enjoying high octane action for more than a month, we now have the two finalists who will compete for the biggest prize in the world of cricket- the World Cup trophy!
England and New Zealand have managed to reach the final and will look to make history at Lord's come July 14th.
Both giants of international cricket have never won the World Cup which makes this clash all the more mouth-watering! Without further ado, it's time to compile a combined 11 from the two finalists to give the cricket fanatics yet another reason to churn their brain cells before the mega finale.
Openers: Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow
There is little to argue about these two gentlemen's brilliance and it won't be wrong to say that England's run at 2019 ICC World Cup has been immensely influenced by their star opening duo.
Jason Roy is fortunate to have made a return to the side following a hamstring injury which occurred during England's group stage clash against West Indies. The hosts suffered 2 consecutive losses to Sri Lanka and Australia in Roy's absence and were on the brink of elimination.
Roy's return has been a major boost to England as the dynamic opener's stunning form has helped them reach the final of a Cricket World Cup for the first time since 1992.
Jason Roy's partner at the top, Jonny Bairstow has had a spectacular World Cup and with 496 runs to his name, it doesn't need much explanation to the fact that Jonny Bairstow has been utterly magnificent.
England embarked their World Cup journey as overwhelming favourites courtesy of their star opening pair's prolific record. Jonny Bairstow scored two impressive 100s against India and New Zealand respectively to help England cruise to the last 4!
Also read – World cup most wickets
Middle-order: Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Ross Taylor
Joe Root has been England's top run-scorer at the ongoing World Cup as he has stood up to all the expectations by performing at the biggest stage for his nation. His ability to read the game and steady the ship in unfavourable conditions make him immensely valuable to this English side!
Joe Root has had a wonderful World Cup so far as he finds in himself in the top bracket of leading run-scorers at 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. Root has scored 549 runs including 2 tons.
The Kiwi skipper has garnered many praises for his grit and passion which has helped New Zealand in reaching the final for the 2nd time in a row. Kane Williamson has often found himself too soon in the middle following the torrid form of the New Zealand openers but Kane has rarely looked out of sorts which is what makes him one of the very best batsmen the world has to offer.
Kane Williamson has scored 548 runs so far and will be looking to add a few more as New Zealand gear up for the finale at Lord's.
Ross Taylor has had a remarkable career and his contributions have helped New Zealand in becoming one of the best ODI sides of recent times. His experience has been tremendously valuable to New Zealand's successful run at the tournament as his stable presence in the middle has helped the Blackcaps on one too many occasions.
Taylor has scored 335 so far which includes the impressive knock of 74 he played against India in the semifinal. New Zealand were off to a shaky start and it was Ross Taylor who combined well with Kane Williamson to put some runs on the board.
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All-rounders and Wicket-keeper: Ben Stokes, James Neesham, and Jos Buttler
Ben Stokes has been phenomenal at 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup and his contributions with both bat and bowl have helped the home side in reaching the final. His knocks under pressure have been admired by the critics as well as the fans and it won't be wrong to say that Ben Stokes has been one of the most impactful players of this summer.
Stokes has scored 381 runs so far and the majority of them have come in pressure situations which gives yet another reason to appreciate his genius.
He has also taken 7 wickets at the ongoing tournament.
When we look at the New Zealand lineup there are few men simply catch one's eye and James Neesham is one of them. The Kiwi allrounder has been instrumental in his side's journey to the final and his all-round performances have been well noted by the avid fans of New Zealand cricket.
Neesham has scored 238 runs so far including that commendable knock of 97* against Pakistan in the group stage. He has been equally impressive with the ball with 12 wickets to his name.
His fielding has been top-notch as well as he produced one of best catches of the tournament in New Zealand's monumental victory against India in the semifinal where he took a stunner to get rid of Dinesh Karthik.
In total, James Neesham has had a World Cup to remember!
Jos Buttler has had a mixed World Cup so far as the dynamic Englishman has had a below-par tournament with the bat as compared to his standards. But he has made up for it with his remarkable wicket-keeping skills.
Jos Buttler managed to nutmeg Steve Smith to run him out in a quite astonishing manner in England's semifinal clash against Australia. His deeds left the cricketing universe in awe of his excellence. Buttler has scored 253 runs so far including that brilliant 100 against Pakistan in the group stage.
Also read – Most catches in world cup
Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, and Lockie Ferguson
Jofra Archer has been one of the breakthrough stars of the tournament as the Bardbadian has managed to give England something which they've been craving for a long time and that is a lethal fast bowler!
Jofra Archer made a late entry to England's World Cup squad, a decision which the board will cherish for sure. His performance with the new ball has enthralled the fans who've been convinced with Jofra's potential. Jofra Archer has claimed 19 wickets so far and will look to add more at Lord's!
Chris Woakes has hit the top form at the right time as the proficient Englishman has produced some sensational spells in England's last few fixtures.
Chris Woakes was stupendous in England's victory over Australia in the semi-final and was rightly named as the Man of the Match for his applaudable performance.
Eoin Morgan has often gone to Chris Woakes in search of wickets and the Englishman has responded well by taking 13 wickets so far at the World Cup!
Lockie Ferguson has been one of the star performers for New Zealand at the ongoing edition of ICC Cricket World Cup and his pace has often left the batsmen dumbfounded! Lockie bowls with flair and his passion is well exhibited in his bowling which is why he has been the most successful Kiwi bowler at this World Cup. With 18 wickets to his name, Lockie Ferguson is one of the highest wicket-takers of the tournament.
Also read – Highest batting average in world cup
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