World Cup 2019: Three reasons why New Zealand lost the final against England

#2 Death overs struggle

New Zeland lacked intent in death overs

New Zealand had struggled their way to 179/5 at the 40th over mark. Both Tom Latham and Colin de Grandhomme were set and the Kiwi fans were hoping for some fireworks in the death overs.

Unfortunately, that acceleration never came as the Kiwi batsmen were not able to score boundaries at the fag end of their innings. Jofra Archer was sensational at the death, giving away just 22 runs from his 5 overs.

His brilliant mix of fast and slower bouncers caused all sorts of problems to the Kiwis. He was well supported from the other end by Chris Woakes who picked up two crucial wickets. The well-set Latham was done in by a brilliant cutter from Woakes. Only 62 runs came from the last 10 overs.

More importantly, with the ball in hand, the New Zealand bowlers were unable to restrict the England batsmen, with pressure on the hosts. With 34 runs to get off the last three overs and ace pacer Trent Boult slated to bowl two of those overs, NZ could have well kept it tight.

However, Boult himself leaked 24 runs off his last two overs that gave England a ray of hope in the end.