Warne: New Zealand were better team in World Cup final
Shane Warne thinks New Zealand were the better team in the World Cup final but reckons England still deserved to win the tournament.
Chasing 242 to win, Ben Stokes clawed England back into the game with an unbeaten 84 as he put on 110 with Jos Buttler (59) after England fell to 86-4.
A super over was required to decide a winner after the match ended in a tie with Stokes and Buttler hitting an impressive 15 from the bowling of Trent Boult.
The Black Caps also struck 15 from their final over but England were crowned world champions as they hit the most boundaries throughout the final.
“England have been the best side through this tournament, I believe, but I think New Zealand were the best team in the final,” Warne told Sky Sports.
“The rub of the green went to England. Just think about it for a second – everyone said it was overcast, bowl first, but Kane Williamson had the courage to bat first and trust his game plan.
“They got a score and defended that score to a tie – without a deflection off Ben Stokes’ bat for four, they would have won the game.
“I also thought Williamson was brilliant with the way he manoeuvred his bowlers. He went for it early and then he brought Trent Boult back early, when he could have waited a few extra overs.
“I hate an easy single though and there were a couple of times when the fielders could have done a little bit better and got there a little bit quicker. Don’t give away a single from a good ball. That was my only thing, but I thought Williamson was outstanding today.
“It’s very tough to take for New Zealand. But I’m happy for England, because I think they’ve been the best side over the last four years and the best side in this tournament, so they deserve to win.”
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