LONDON: History is set to be made at the Home of Cricket on Sunday. New champions will be coronated at the hallowed turf of Lord’s, irrespective of the result in the ICC World Cup final between England and New Zealand.
The hosts will be aiming to win their first title after having failed in their three previous attempts in 1979, 1987 and 1992. New Zealand, who will be playing their second consecutive finals, have all the qualities to become party poopers.
England, the current world No.1 in ODIs, are one of the best white-ball sides assembled in recent history, boasting some of the finest power-hitters. Led by the Irishman, Eoin Morgan, England made it to the summit clash after smashing the Aussies in the semis. The Kiwis, who embrace the tag of being the underdogs, punched above their weight to eliminate favourites India.
Williamson has no qualms in handing over England the favourites tag on home soil, but insisted the Kiwis can still cause an upset.
“Coming into this tournament from the start, they were favourites and they’ve been playing really good cricket. But whatever dog we are, it’s just important that we focus on the cricket that we want to play and we have seen over the years that anybody can beat anybody regardless of breed of dog,” said Williamson.
It’s a super Sunday for sporting fans in England with the Wimbledon final and the British GP F1 race jostling for the eyeballs. Virat Kohli & Co. may not be part of the big occasion, but Indian cricket fans would surely be watching to find out who the new world champions are.
