If New Zealand win the 2019 World Cup, would it be one of the greatest underdog stories in sports?

[Dead Ball]

To put things into perspective, the population of NZ is less than 1/4 of that of Mumbai and less than 1/3rd of that of Karachi!

And cricket is not even the biggest sport there (I think it's rugby)

For such a small country I think it's already a massive achievement that they have reached two back to back finals. If they can finish the job tomorrow it will surely be one of the great moments in sports for me.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Hope it happens. Wish them good luck. odds are heavily stacked against them. Hope somehow they pull it off.

 

[Salma_T]

NZ whole population is the same as greater Sydney and Aus always say they punch above their weight but I think
NZ win that. It will be a great story especially as cricket is not the most popular sport there always playing second fiddle to rugby union.

 

[jnaveen1980]

But i doubt it will happen though. This NZ bowling attack is good. But not threatening even in the right conditions. Indian top order in recent times have collapsed against NZ new ball bowlers a few times. In the last world cup Australia collapsed against new zealand in the league phase. Bowled out for 152. In the right conditions NZ bowling comes alive. But England batting depth will negate any advantage NZ may gain in the early overs. But Jason Roy will not play defensively. So he will not allow them to do what they want.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Hope Williamson becomes a legend tom.

 

[naseem]

Best of luck 2 kiwis...... May their athleticism never give up attitude bears fruit.......

Best of luck against WorldXI

 

[nextover666666]

New Zealand winning tomorrow would be special for new zeland cricket , the game of cricket it self , New Zealand as a nation and even sports in New Zealand

The amazing thing is that New Zealand is such a great sporting nation

Aside from rugby and cricket

Netball
Basketball
Field hockey
Soccer

Have big following in New Zealand as well and in each sport mentioned above New Zealand play pretty well in international level

 

[jnaveen1980]

I thought ENgland would exit and we could troll Vaughn. Now it is a distant memory given how uneven the contest is going to be.

 

[Roaring40s]

India in 1983 have done the biggest underdog success blockbuster hit in cricket till date. Only Sri Lanka's win in 1996 had come close. It can be argued that Jayasurya, Gurusinha etc weren't big names in world cricket in 1996. Most people still don't consider Aravinda an ATG. To me a NZ win would be an underdog story a few steps below these two incidences.

 

[SLcric123]

It will be a great moment for NZ cricket. However, deep down we know it can be Aus vs NZ kind-off World Cup final.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

It will stamp Wiliamson"s position as the greatest player of this generation. He has almost singlehandedly led NZ to the finals. Time for one last push kane.

 

[Deewana]

doubt it will happen
but if Nz wins i want them to to Haka.. lead by my boy Ferguson

 

[ARK Rafay]

New Zealand has a slim chance to win. Unless England batting collapse

 

[Mueez]

Kane Williamson, Boult, Ferguson and Taylor will need to play at their best.

I hope NZ win.

You gotta love underdogs.

 

[JaDed]

Not on a fresh pitch with Sun out, unfortunate for Kiwis, only chance is Guptill going guns blazing.

 

[surg]

They have reached the finals, without Martin Guptill firing. They wonts be underdogs anymore if finds his form

 

[Smbhayi]

Think I should support England tomorrow.. whoever I support they end up losing..

 

[hur rizvi]

Would be similar to India’s 1983 triumph

Rooting for them

 

[sweep_shot]

NZ are not underdogs!

They are a top ODI side just like South Africa.

 

[Obaidd]

Eng’s batting collapse may be expected if they chase. Hoping for a great match.

 

[The Viper]

Yes especially if you consider the disparity between both batting lineups.

 

[Harsh Thakor]

Not fair to clas the Kiwis as underdogs with their great consistency in the World Cup over the years qualifying in 8 semi finals including 4. In succession.They have even won ICC trophy and reached the final last time.

 

[rhony]

It absolutely is. However I'm firmly backing England for the planning, hard work and execution of these top quality Batsmen for the past 4 years. NZ already got a better result than everybody expected including themselves. Time for Eng to fulfill their promise.

 

[rhony]

It will stamp Wiliamson"s position as the greatest player of this generation. He has almost singlehandedly led NZ to the finals. Time for one last push kane.

I hope he is chosen as the MOS. He is deserved MOS with his captaincy and performances. Brilliant guy and all weather genius.

 

[Misia]

Don't think it tops 96 SriLanka

 

[JaDed]

Would be similar to India’s 1983 triumph

Rooting for them

Yes but we also defeated Windies once in group stages..

 

[Pakistanian]

Nope, they were runner ups last time. England are playing their first final in 27 years and that was a totally different team.

 

[PakLFC]

No not at all. New Zealand have been very consistent in most WC's reaching the semi's and final's regularly. From that perspective it will not be a surprise to see them eventually win it.

 

[Junaids]

How so?

At the last World Cup New Zealand bowled England all out for 123 and then knocked off the runs in 12.2 overs!

 

[Madplayer]

Which nation's victory in ICC World Cup 2019 final will be better for Cricket and why?

England and Newzealand go head to head today in the world cup final. Two nations who have not won the world cup ever. So no matter who wins it, cricket will be benefitted.

However, which team's victory do you think will benefit the game of cricket more? Kindly put forward your reasons.

 

[Madplayer]

Even though i am supporting NZ, i think England winning it will be good for popularity of the game.

 

[TNAmarkFromIndia]

No. England isn't unbeatable. Not like the odds are stacked against New Zealand or anything.

 

[Executioner]

Do you know which team has the 2nd best win percentage in all world cups?

India - No
West Indies - No
Lanka - No

It is New Zealand. They have 64% win percentage in World Cups. They always over achieve in world cups till the semis. They just need to go all the way. Even if it just once.

 

[Hasan123]

New Zealand winning this WC isn't over achieving. They are 4th in the rankings which shows they are a consistent side. I hope they get over the line.

 

[Madplayer]

Thoughts?

 

[Dead Ball]

Superb start by NZ. Looks like a good toss to win!

Chasing 280-300 in a World Cup final will be nerve wracking for England.

 

[MenInG]

What a story it will be if NZ win this game!

 

[iRfaN_LA]

NZ is not an underdog. I hope they win though.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

It would be for Matty and Mamoon who were busy dancing in the England champion celebration thread prematurely. Shame it got deleted.

 

[TalhaSyed]

Really hope NZ can pull this off!

A country with a population of under 5 million toppling all the larger teams will be a truly inspirational.

#AnyoneButTheBig3