World Cup: What are experts saying ahead of the final?
What's the story
The ICC World Cup 2019 final is all set to be played today at Lord's. England take on New Zealand in a dream final. The Three Lions are being backed to come out on top, but one cannot rule out the Kiwis. There has been a lot of excitement regarding the match. Here is what the experts are saying, ahead of this mega clash.
Favorites
General mood is that England are the favorites
The general mood everywhere is that England are the favorites to win the title. They were the pre-tournament favorites as well and nothing much has changed. Their brand of cricket is something that has set a benchmark for the other sides. England will fancy lifting the trophy against underdogs New Zealand. At the moment, England have all the momentum with them.
Captains
A lot of excitement surrounding the two captains
There is also a lot of focus on the two skippers. Everyone seems excited about two great ambassadors of the match. Both Eoin Morgan and Kane Williamson have been excellent on the field. Their sides trust them completely. Both sides have a strong bowling attack and a fielding unit as well. But it is the batting where England hold the edge over the Kiwis.
Views
What have the captains said ahead of the finale?
"I think anything is possible. It's a really special occasion. All different thoughts can go through your mind but certainly where myself and the group come from, it's keeping your feet on the ground," said an upbeat Williamson. "I haven't allowed myself to think about lifting the trophy. Sport and cricket in particular is very fickle," said England captain Morgan.
Experts
Here are what the experts are claiming
Former England legend Kevin Pietersen has been vocal throughout the World Cup regarding England's chances. Meanwhile, India's Sanjay Manjrekar feels if one sticks to logic, then England will win the title. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan is cheering for his side and stated there's no impartiality. Commentator Harsha Bhogle feels England start as the overwhelming favorites. Pakistan great Wasim Akram is supporting England.
Twitter Post
England lies in Akram's heart!
The World Cup hosts 2 countries that are home to so many Pakistanis, which makes my decision on who to support difficult. But England has been a second home to me for 30 odd years so my decision to support England is where my heart is at. What about you? #ENGvNZ #CWC19Final
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) July 12, 2019
Twitter Post
Why did KP support England throughout the tourney?
The reason I’ve been so supportive of England throughout this CWC, is purely because of the way they’ve changed the way 50 over cricket is played globally.
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) July 13, 2019
Teams are intimidated to play England that’s never happened before!
Twitter Post
Manjrekar highlights destiny vs logic
If you believe in destiny, then it’s New Zealand, want to stick to logic? then it’s England. #favourite #icccwcfinal
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) July 14, 2019
Twitter Post
Vaughan rooting for England
What a way to spend a Sunday @Eoin16 ... leading England out in a #WorldCupFinal ... 4 yrs of hard work allows you to get out at #Lords and enjoy the day ... Good luck both teams but absolutely no impartiality today ... COME ON ENGLAND 🏴 #CWC19
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 14, 2019
Twitter Post
Isa Guha all behind the Three Lions
A huge good luck to these blokes. Talk about the Black Caps being a likeable team - these guys are pretty decent too. You’ve made the country so proud- just one more push @englandcricket we’re all behind you!! On @Channel4 @SkyCricket from 9am @bbctms from 10.15am 🦁🦁🦁#cwc19 pic.twitter.com/tHghdJP2tR
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) July 13, 2019
Information
England have the edge: Our take
England's batting gives the side an edge over the Kiwis. We feel that's where the game would be won. But there will be pressure on the hosts. Kiwis, on the other hand, will look to address that factor and put up a strong show.