England captain Eoin Morgan admitted he believed his side's shot at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-defeat-new-zealand-to-win-the-cricket-world-cup-2019-title-235973">World Cup glory</a> had gone on Sunday before a thrilling twist saw the hosts lift the trophy for the first time after a Super Over.

Morgan's men needed 39 runs off the final 23 balls to win when Chris Woakes holed out.

But thanks to Ben Stokes's 84 not out and some fortune when a deflection off Stokes's bat went for four overthrows, England tied New Zealand's target of 241 off 50 overs.

Both sides could not be separated on runs either after hitting 15 off an extra six balls each, so England won by virtue of hitting more boundaries throughout the course of the match.

"Absolutely unbelievable, I still can't quite believe it," said Morgan.

"I thought it was over when Chris Woakes got out but then Liam Plunkett got us back into the game and we had the rub of the green, with Ben's overthrows -- I don't know how you described that on commentary.

"In the Super Over, Ben continued to have a great day out with Jos. A day to remember."

Victory completed a four-year path to redemption for Morgan, who captained the side to a humiliating group-stage exit at the 2015 World Cup.

England have since recovered to become the number one ranked side in the world, but were on the verge of failing to make the semi-finals once more after losing to Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Australia in the group stage.

However, they steadied the ship by beating India and New Zealand to complete the round robin phase before thrashing Australia in the semi-finals.

And in front of a packed house at Lord's and a huge television audience with the final the only match of the tournament shown on free-to-air television in the UK, the World Cup got the buzz it craved with a thrilling finale.

"The support has been incredible from the very beginning of the tournament and we've managed to pull it off. It's such a good feeling," added Morgan.

"I've said 'incredible' 50 times since lifting the trophy. Our fans are the best people on the planet.

"We had two must-win games and we scraped through and we continued it on to today. Thank you for the support over the last four years."

England captain Eoin Morgan admitted he believed his side's shot at World Cup glory had gone on Sunday before a thrilling twist saw the hosts lift the trophy for the first time after a Super Over.

England captain Eoin Morgan admitted he believed his side's shot at World Cup glory had gone on Sunday before a thrilling twist saw the hosts lift the trophy for the first time after a Super Over. Morgan's men needed 39 runs off the final 23 balls to win when Chris Woakes holed out. But thanks to Ben Stokes's 84 not out and some fortune when a deflection off Stokes's bat went for four overthrows, England tied New Zealand's target of 241 off 50 overs. Both sides could not be separated on runs either after hitting 15 off an extra six balls each, so England won by virtue of hitting more boundaries throughout the course of the match. "Absolutely unbelievable, I still can't quite believe it," said Morgan. "I thought it was over when Chris Woakes got out but then Liam Plunkett got us back into the game and we had the rub of the green, with Ben's overthrows -- I don't know how you described that on commentary. "In the Super Over, Ben continued to have a great day out with Jos. A day to remember." Victory completed a four-year path to redemption for Morgan, who captained the side to a humiliating group-stage exit at the 2015 World Cup. England have since recovered to become the number one ranked side in the world, but were on the verge of failing to make the semi-finals once more after losing to Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Australia in the group stage. However, they steadied the ship by beating India and New Zealand to complete the round robin phase before thrashing Australia in the semi-finals. And in front of a packed house at Lord's and a huge television audience with the final the only match of the tournament shown on free-to-air television in the UK, the World Cup got the buzz it craved with a thrilling finale. "The support has been incredible from the very beginning of the tournament and we've managed to pull it off. It's such a good feeling," added Morgan. "I've said 'incredible' 50 times since lifting the trophy. Our fans are the best people on the planet. "We had two must-win games and we scraped through and we continued it on to today. Thank you for the support over the last four years."

'I still can't believe it': England captain Eoin Morgan thought World Cup was lost

England's Ben Stokes hailed Sunday's dramatic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-defeat-new-zealand-to-win-the-cricket-world-cup-2019-title-235973">World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;final victory</a> over New Zealand in a Super Over as the best match in cricket history.

After both sides made 241 from their 50 overs, the scores could again not be separated when each team posted 15 from a six-ball shootout.

However, England claimed the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;for the first time virtue of hitting more boundaries during the match.

"This is where we aspired to be and to manage to come here and do it in such a good game. I don't think there will ever be a better game of cricket in history than that," said Stokes.

England had bounced back from a humiliating exit in the group stages of the 2015 edition to become the number one side in the&nbsp;world&nbsp;and go into the final as strong favourites.

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The greatest cricketer of all time - and Sachin Tendulkar 😉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19Final?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19Final</a> <a href="https://t.co/fQBmfrJoCJ">pic.twitter.com/fQBmfrJoCJ</a>
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Yet, the hosts seemed set to fall short at Lord's until Stokes hit 84 not out, including a controversial moment when the ball hit his bat and ran to the boundary for an extra four runs as he scrambled to make his ground.

And Stokes, who was born in New Zealand, apologised for the incident to Kiwi captain Kane Williamson.

"In the last over when the ball hit the bat and went for four it's not exactly what you ask for," said Stokes.

"I've apologised to Kane countless times about that. It's not exactly how you want to do it.

Stokes then struck another eight not out from three balls in the Super Over.

"Moments like that is what you live for as a professional cricketer," he added

"All the hard work over that four years to get here and we're champions of the&nbsp;world. It's an amazing feeling."

England's Ben Stokes hailed Sunday's dramatic World Cup final victory over New Zealand in a Super Over as the best match in cricket history. After both sides made 241 from their 50 overs, the scores could again not be separated when each team posted 15 from a six-ball shootout.

England's Ben Stokes hailed Sunday's dramatic World Cup final victory over New Zealand in a Super Over as the best match in cricket history. After both sides made 241 from their 50 overs, the scores could again not be separated when each team posted 15 from a six-ball shootout. However, England claimed the World Cup for the first time virtue of hitting more boundaries during the match. "This is where we aspired to be and to manage to come here and do it in such a good game. I don't think there will ever be a better game of cricket in history than that," said Stokes. England had bounced back from a humiliating exit in the group stages of the 2015 edition to become the number one side in the world and go into the final as strong favourites. The greatest cricketer of all time - and Sachin Tendulkar 😉#CWC19Final pic.twitter.com/fQBmfrJoCJ — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 14, 2019 × Yet, the hosts seemed set to fall short at Lord's until Stokes hit 84 not out, including a controversial moment when the ball hit his bat and ran to the boundary for an extra four runs as he scrambled to make his ground. And Stokes, who was born in New Zealand, apologised for the incident to Kiwi captain Kane Williamson. "In the last over when the ball hit the bat and went for four it's not exactly what you ask for," said Stokes. "I've apologised to Kane countless times about that. It's not exactly how you want to do it. Stokes then struck another eight not out from three balls in the Super Over. "Moments like that is what you live for as a professional cricketer," he added "All the hard work over that four years to get here and we're champions of the world. It's an amazing feeling."

Dramatic World Cup final the best game ever, says England hero Ben Stokes

Liam Plunkett took three key wickets as England restricted New Zealand to 241-8 in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-final-england-vs-new-zealand-235710">World Cup final</a> at Lord's on Sunday, with both sides desperate to win the tournament for the first time.

Fast bowler Plunkett dismissed New Zealand captain and star batsman Kane Williamson for just 30 before removing established opener Henry Nicholls for an innings-best 55 in a return of 3-42 from his 10 overs.

Chris Woakes followed up with 3-37.

New Zealand, however, successfully defended a total of 239 in their shock semi-final win over India, when they reduced one of the world's strongest batting line-ups to 24-4.

"Sometimes it doesn't feel real, it's nice to be part of this occasion," said Plunkett. "It's a good pitch, we bowled well to restrict them.

"It's nice to know my role. I smash the pitch and use my variations, make the batsmen make mistakes. We would have snapped your hand off to be chasing 240, New Zealand are a good team."

Williamson, as he had done against India, batted first after winning the toss in overcast conditions and on a green pitch.

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England's record without Liam Plunkett at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> 
 
P 4 W 1 L 3 
 
England's record with Liam Plunket at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> 
 
P 6 W 6 L 0 
 
Can England's lucky charm work his magic again?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19Final?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19Final</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreEngland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreEngland</a> <a href="https://t.co/mmV3FEckRA">pic.twitter.com/mmV3FEckRA</a>
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Nicholls was still on nought when given out lbw to Woakes but successfully reviewed umpire Kumar Dharmasena's decision.

Fellow opener Martin Guptill, the leading run-scorer at the 2015 World Cup, hit fast bowler Jofra Archer for two boundaries in three balls -- an uppercut six over third man followed by a straight drive back over the paceman's head.

Guptill has struggled at this tournament, however, and on 19 he was lbw to Woakes. He reviewed but was walking back to the pavilion even before replays confirmed the ball would have smashed into his middle stump.

Williamson out

It left number three Williamson, who started the match with 548 runs in the tournament at an average of 91.33, having to mount yet another rescue mission.

But after putting on 74 for the second wicket with Nicholls, he fell when he edged a rising cross-seamer from Plunkett to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.

Dharmasena initially said not out but an England review confirmed the end of Williamson's 53-ball innings, which featured just two fours.

New Zealand found themselves 118-3 when Plunkett struck for the second time in 14 balls.

Nicholls, who had completed a 71-ball fifty, fell for 55 when he played on after being cramped for room by a Plunkett delivery that curved back into him.

New Zealand were now looking to senior batsman Taylor to bail them out of trouble but he could only manage 15 before falling lbw to Wood.&nbsp;

When Jimmy Neesham (19) chipped Plunkett to Joe Root at mid-on, the Black Caps were 173-5 with 11 overs left.

Tom Latham defiantly hit Wood for six but Colin de Grandhomme, who top-edged a hook off Archer into his helmet, took 28 balls for a 16 that finished when he chipped a Woakes slower ball mid-off.&nbsp;

Latham's 47 off 56 balls ended when he chipped a low Woakes full toss to mid-off.

England have been in the final three times while New Zealand were beaten finalists in 2015.

Liam Plunkett took three key wickets as England restricted New Zealand to 241-8 in the World Cup final at Lord's on Sunday, with both sides desperate to win the tournament for the first time.

Liam Plunkett took three key wickets as England restricted New Zealand to 241-8 in the World Cup final at Lord's on Sunday, with both sides desperate to win the tournament for the first time. Fast bowler Plunkett dismissed New Zealand captain and star batsman Kane Williamson for just 30 before removing established opener Henry Nicholls for an innings-best 55 in a return of 3-42 from his 10 overs. Chris Woakes followed up with 3-37. New Zealand, however, successfully defended a total of 239 in their shock semi-final win over India, when they reduced one of the world's strongest batting line-ups to 24-4. "Sometimes it doesn't feel real, it's nice to be part of this occasion," said Plunkett. "It's a good pitch, we bowled well to restrict them. "It's nice to know my role. I smash the pitch and use my variations, make the batsmen make mistakes. We would have snapped your hand off to be chasing 240, New Zealand are a good team." Williamson, as he had done against India, batted first after winning the toss in overcast conditions and on a green pitch. England's record without Liam Plunkett at #CWC19 P 4 W 1 L 3 England's record with Liam Plunket at #CWC19 P 6 W 6 L 0 Can England's lucky charm work his magic again?#CWC19Final | #WeAreEngland pic.twitter.com/mmV3FEckRA — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 14, 2019 × Nicholls was still on nought when given out lbw to Woakes but successfully reviewed umpire Kumar Dharmasena's decision. Fellow opener Martin Guptill, the leading run-scorer at the 2015 World Cup, hit fast bowler Jofra Archer for two boundaries in three balls -- an uppercut six over third man followed by a straight drive back over the paceman's head. Guptill has struggled at this tournament, however, and on 19 he was lbw to Woakes. He reviewed but was walking back to the pavilion even before replays confirmed the ball would have smashed into his middle stump. Williamson out It left number three Williamson, who started the match with 548 runs in the tournament at an average of 91.33, having to mount yet another rescue mission. But after putting on 74 for the second wicket with Nicholls, he fell when he edged a rising cross-seamer from Plunkett to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler. Dharmasena initially said not out but an England review confirmed the end of Williamson's 53-ball innings, which featured just two fours. New Zealand found themselves 118-3 when Plunkett struck for the second time in 14 balls. Nicholls, who had completed a 71-ball fifty, fell for 55 when he played on after being cramped for room by a Plunkett delivery that curved back into him. New Zealand were now looking to senior batsman Taylor to bail them out of trouble but he could only manage 15 before falling lbw to Wood. When Jimmy Neesham (19) chipped Plunkett to Joe Root at mid-on, the Black Caps were 173-5 with 11 overs left. Tom Latham defiantly hit Wood for six but Colin de Grandhomme, who top-edged a hook off Archer into his helmet, took 28 balls for a 16 that finished when he chipped a Woakes slower ball mid-off. Latham's 47 off 56 balls ended when he chipped a low Woakes full toss to mid-off. England have been in the final three times while New Zealand were beaten finalists in 2015.

Liam Plunkett puts England in charge of World Cup final against New Zealand

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has no problem that hosts <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eoin-morgan-tells-england-to-replicate-australia-form-in-final-235606">England have been branded favourites</a> for Sunday's Cricket World Cup final but says anything is possible.

A new 50-overs world champion will emerge at Lord's after what many consider will be a battle between England's deep batting lineup and New Zealand's incisive bowling attack.

England ruthlessly destroyed five-times champions Australia to move to the cusp of their first-ever men's 50-overs World Cup title, while New Zealand's crafty bowlers defended a small total against two-times champions India in the other semi-final.

"I think England rightly so deserve to be favourites. Coming into this tournament from the start, they were favourites and they've been playing really good cricket," a relaxed-looking Williamson told a news conference when asked if his side were underdogs.

"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," he said with a smile.

The canine reference appeared to amuse the Kiwi skipper who was also asked how it would feel to play party-pooper in a match which would be broadcast free-to-air on TV.

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"Party-poopers? You talking about dogs again, hey?" he said with a smile.

"Look, we are really looking forward to the occasion and the end point and the result...focussing too much on it, I don't think, is a positive thing."

England will expect another flying start from openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow, who have combined in four successive century partnerships.

Williamson acknowledged the threat they pose, but said nothing can be taken for granted.

"Those two have been fantastic throughout this whole competition and prior as well," said the Kiwi batting mainstay.

"There is a huge amount of respect for the match-winners that they have within their side, obviously the top of the order and throughout.

"But the focus for us is very much about the cricket that we want to play and the performance we want to put on the board and if we do that, we have seen throughout this competition that anybody can beat anybody."

Williamson was part of the Brendon McCullum-led squad who suffered a heavy defeat in the 2015 final against Australia.

The 28-year-old's level-headed leadership, along with his prolific form with the bat, have been instrumental in New Zealand's second straight run to the final.

"I try not to get too caught up in the results and hopefully not too emotional about just the outcome and maybe look at it with a bit more reason...and then try and move on from that as quickly as possible."

"There's always more to the picture than just the end point...

"We look forward to tomorrow, treating it with a huge amount of respect because it's not very often you get the opportunity to be out in a World Cup final, but very much focussed on what we need to try and achieve."

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has no problem that hosts England have been branded favourites for Sunday's Cricket World Cup final but says anything is possible.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has no problem that hosts England have been branded favourites for Sunday's Cricket World Cup final but says anything is possible. A new 50-overs world champion will emerge at Lord's after what many consider will be a battle between England's deep batting lineup and New Zealand's incisive bowling attack. England ruthlessly destroyed five-times champions Australia to move to the cusp of their first-ever men's 50-overs World Cup title, while New Zealand's crafty bowlers defended a small total against two-times champions India in the other semi-final. "I think England rightly so deserve to be favourites. Coming into this tournament from the start, they were favourites and they've been playing really good cricket," a relaxed-looking Williamson told a news conference when asked if his side were underdogs. "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," he said with a smile. The canine reference appeared to amuse the Kiwi skipper who was also asked how it would feel to play party-pooper in a match which would be broadcast free-to-air on TV. The many faces of #KaneWilliamson#BackTheBlackCaps pic.twitter.com/xJ471KfjQ0 — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 13, 2019 × "Party-poopers? You talking about dogs again, hey?" he said with a smile. "Look, we are really looking forward to the occasion and the end point and the result...focussing too much on it, I don't think, is a positive thing." England will expect another flying start from openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow, who have combined in four successive century partnerships. Williamson acknowledged the threat they pose, but said nothing can be taken for granted. "Those two have been fantastic throughout this whole competition and prior as well," said the Kiwi batting mainstay. "There is a huge amount of respect for the match-winners that they have within their side, obviously the top of the order and throughout. "But the focus for us is very much about the cricket that we want to play and the performance we want to put on the board and if we do that, we have seen throughout this competition that anybody can beat anybody." Williamson was part of the Brendon McCullum-led squad who suffered a heavy defeat in the 2015 final against Australia. The 28-year-old's level-headed leadership, along with his prolific form with the bat, have been instrumental in New Zealand's second straight run to the final. "I try not to get too caught up in the results and hopefully not too emotional about just the outcome and maybe look at it with a bit more reason...and then try and move on from that as quickly as possible." "There's always more to the picture than just the end point... "We look forward to tomorrow, treating it with a huge amount of respect because it's not very often you get the opportunity to be out in a World Cup final, but very much focussed on what we need to try and achieve."

World Cup final: England favourites but anything possible, warns Kane Williamson

England captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-final-players-to-watch-out-for-in-england-vs-new-zealand-clash-235596#eoin-morgan-235569">Eoin Morgan</a> knows New Zealand have the ability to defend small totals and says the hosts will need to replicate their near-perfect game against Australia to prevail in Sunday's Cricket World Cup final.

Morgan's men dished out a ruthless performance against arch-rivals Australia, bowling out the five-times champions for 223 and romping home with nearly 18 overs to spare in a lop-sided semi-final at Edgbaston.

Asked if they would need to maintain a similar standard against the 2015 finalists, Morgan said, "I think we will need to, yeah.

"New Zealand are an extremely tough side, with a lot of experience, a lot of skill. They were the best side in the group stage and they improved, very similar to us, from the group stage to the semi-final performance.

"We are striving to improve on our performance. No doubt they (also) will."

New Zealand are one of the two sides, along with Afghanistan, who have not posted a 300-plus total in the tournament, but successfully defended a modest 239 against India in the first semi-final.

Morgan does not expect Sunday's final to be a high-scoring contest and feels the likes of Trent Boult and Matt Henry could prove quite a handful for his batsmen.

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"Throughout the tournament the scores have been a lot lower than they have previously here in the last three or four years. Us adjusting to that has been harder work than it normally is," Morgan said.

"New Zealand have done it brilliantly and Lord's isn't ever a high-scoring ground. I'd say tomorrow isn't going to be a high-scoring ground, so it will be a bit of a battle."

With Sunday's match available on free-to-air television in England, Morgan acknowledged the importance of winning England's maiden men's 50-overs World Cup title though his focus remains on the final only.

"I haven't allowed myself to think about lifting the trophy," said the left-handed batsman.

"Cricket and sport in particular is very fickle. If you ever get ahead, it always seems to bite you in the backside.

"So for us to win it, I think around the country it would be awesome, great for the game.

"I think quite iconic in certainly young kids' memories if they are watching it at home and we manage to lift the trophy, it would be awesome."

Morgan paid tribute to Brendon McCullum, saying the former New Zealand captain had made a deep impact on his leadership style.

"We are close mates and he's taught me a lot about leadership and I think in 2015 the way that New Zealand played is very similar to the way they are playing at the moment."

Morgan credited the former wicketkeeper-batsman for New Zealand's distinct brand of cricket.

"They proved to everybody that you can perform at the highest level and get to the top by being yourselves and not trying to be somebody else, or a different team, or be somebody that is a bit of a novelty for everybody else, so that's quite cool."

England captain Eoin Morgan knows New Zealand have the ability to defend small totals and says the hosts will need to replicate their near-perfect game against Australia to prevail in Sunday's Cricket World Cup final.

England captain Eoin Morgan knows New Zealand have the ability to defend small totals and says the hosts will need to replicate their near-perfect game against Australia to prevail in Sunday's Cricket World Cup final. Morgan's men dished out a ruthless performance against arch-rivals Australia, bowling out the five-times champions for 223 and romping home with nearly 18 overs to spare in a lop-sided semi-final at Edgbaston. Asked if they would need to maintain a similar standard against the 2015 finalists, Morgan said, "I think we will need to, yeah. "New Zealand are an extremely tough side, with a lot of experience, a lot of skill. They were the best side in the group stage and they improved, very similar to us, from the group stage to the semi-final performance. "We are striving to improve on our performance. No doubt they (also) will." New Zealand are one of the two sides, along with Afghanistan, who have not posted a 300-plus total in the tournament, but successfully defended a modest 239 against India in the first semi-final. Morgan does not expect Sunday's final to be a high-scoring contest and feels the likes of Trent Boult and Matt Henry could prove quite a handful for his batsmen. Happiness is... reaching the #CWC19 final!#WeAreEngland pic.twitter.com/oYvg5GMEBU — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 13, 2019 × "Throughout the tournament the scores have been a lot lower than they have previously here in the last three or four years. Us adjusting to that has been harder work than it normally is," Morgan said. "New Zealand have done it brilliantly and Lord's isn't ever a high-scoring ground. I'd say tomorrow isn't going to be a high-scoring ground, so it will be a bit of a battle." With Sunday's match available on free-to-air television in England, Morgan acknowledged the importance of winning England's maiden men's 50-overs World Cup title though his focus remains on the final only. "I haven't allowed myself to think about lifting the trophy," said the left-handed batsman. "Cricket and sport in particular is very fickle. If you ever get ahead, it always seems to bite you in the backside. "So for us to win it, I think around the country it would be awesome, great for the game. "I think quite iconic in certainly young kids' memories if they are watching it at home and we manage to lift the trophy, it would be awesome." Morgan paid tribute to Brendon McCullum, saying the former New Zealand captain had made a deep impact on his leadership style. "We are close mates and he's taught me a lot about leadership and I think in 2015 the way that New Zealand played is very similar to the way they are playing at the moment." Morgan credited the former wicketkeeper-batsman for New Zealand's distinct brand of cricket. "They proved to everybody that you can perform at the highest level and get to the top by being yourselves and not trying to be somebody else, or a different team, or be somebody that is a bit of a novelty for everybody else, so that's quite cool."

Eoin Morgan tells England to replicate Australia form in final

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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 13th, 2019

England faces New Zealand in the World Cup final on Sunday knowing years of planning come down to a single day at Lord's.

When England exited the 2015 edition with an embarrassing defeat by Bangladesh, few were tipping them as potential champions in four years' time.

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-jason-roy-escapes-world-cup-final-ban-after-dissent-fine-235227">England</a> captain, Eoin Morgan put it, "If you had offered us the position to play in a final the day after we were knocked out of the 2015 World Cup, I would have laughed at you."

One person not laughing was Andrew Strauss, the former England director of cricket.

Drafted into the newly created role, Strauss set about an overhaul that saw the former England captain appoint Australia's Trevor Bayliss as coach, and place greater emphasis on white-ball cricket.

The worth of all that work showed when Morgan's men, now top of the one-day international rankings, thrashed reigning champions Australia by eight wickets in the semi-final at Edgbaston on Thursday.

Many of the elements that made England the pre-tournament favourites were on show in Birmingham.

Pacemen Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes reduced Australia to 14-3, leg-spinner Adil Rashid took wickets in the middle and the dynamic duo of Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow -- statistically the most successful opening pair in ODI history -- launched the run chase with a blistering century partnership.&nbsp;

'Fearless' cricket

The challenge for England is to embrace the hype surrounding Sunday's fixture without letting it inhibit them from playing their brand of "fearless" cricket. &nbsp;

By reaching the final, England has guaranteed an international match will be shown live on free-to-air television in Britain for the first time since the iconic 2005 Ashes series -- a chance to inspire a new generation.

"I think Sunday's not a day to shy away from, it's a day to look forward to," said Morgan, an outrider in English cricket in becoming an ODI specialist when the steely Dubliner realised his Test career had stalled.

It is perhaps appropriate that England are facing New Zealand in a final between two sides who have yet to win the World Cup.

For it was the Black Caps who showed England how to play the modern one-day game at the 2015 edition in Wellington four years ago.

They shot out England for just 123 and then overhauled that total in a mere 12.2 overs.

"It was as close to rock-bottom as I've been", said Morgan. "Certainly as a captain and as a player, being beaten off the park like that was humiliating."

England gained a measure of revenge with a 119-run thrashing of New Zealand in a group-stage match earlier in this World Cup.

But that is unlikely to count for much on Sunday.

All tournament long, the same comment has been made about New Zealand -- they boast a well-balanced attack led by left-arm quick Trent Boult but are over-reliant on captain Kane Williamson and fellow senior batsman Ross Taylor for their runs.

The polite Kiwis have responded by continuing to "scrap", in the phrase of fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, their way to wins as demonstrated by their dramatic 18-run semi-final victory over India.

Boult and Matt Henry reduced one of the world's most powerful top orders to 5-3, before left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, aided by superb fielding, backed them up after Williamson and Taylor had made battling fifties on a tricky pitch.

While many members of the home side were not even born when England made the last of three losing appearances in a World Cup final in 1992, the Black Caps have the experience of their heavy defeat by co-hosts Australia in the climax of the 2015 edition in Melbourne to call on.

"I'd be lying if I said we weren't a bit overawed by the change of scenery," said Taylor as he looked back to New Zealand's first and only match on Australian soil in that tournament.

"I think we know what to expect, the pressures that come with it, we've been there before. You just have to enjoy it, it's the 'Home of Cricket', I can't think of a better place to play a final."

England faces New Zealand in the World Cup final on Sunday knowing years of planning come down to a single day at Lord's. When England exited the 2015 edition with an embarrassing defeat by Bangladesh, few were tipping them as potential champions in four years' time.

England faces New Zealand in the World Cup final on Sunday knowing years of planning come down to a single day at Lord's. When England exited the 2015 edition with an embarrassing defeat by Bangladesh, few were tipping them as potential champions in four years' time. As England captain, Eoin Morgan put it, "If you had offered us the position to play in a final the day after we were knocked out of the 2015 World Cup, I would have laughed at you." One person not laughing was Andrew Strauss, the former England director of cricket. Drafted into the newly created role, Strauss set about an overhaul that saw the former England captain appoint Australia's Trevor Bayliss as coach, and place greater emphasis on white-ball cricket. The worth of all that work showed when Morgan's men, now top of the one-day international rankings, thrashed reigning champions Australia by eight wickets in the semi-final at Edgbaston on Thursday. Many of the elements that made England the pre-tournament favourites were on show in Birmingham. Pacemen Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes reduced Australia to 14-3, leg-spinner Adil Rashid took wickets in the middle and the dynamic duo of Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow -- statistically the most successful opening pair in ODI history -- launched the run chase with a blistering century partnership. 'Fearless' cricket The challenge for England is to embrace the hype surrounding Sunday's fixture without letting it inhibit them from playing their brand of "fearless" cricket. By reaching the final, England has guaranteed an international match will be shown live on free-to-air television in Britain for the first time since the iconic 2005 Ashes series -- a chance to inspire a new generation. "I think Sunday's not a day to shy away from, it's a day to look forward to," said Morgan, an outrider in English cricket in becoming an ODI specialist when the steely Dubliner realised his Test career had stalled. It is perhaps appropriate that England are facing New Zealand in a final between two sides who have yet to win the World Cup. For it was the Black Caps who showed England how to play the modern one-day game at the 2015 edition in Wellington four years ago. They shot out England for just 123 and then overhauled that total in a mere 12.2 overs. "It was as close to rock-bottom as I've been", said Morgan. "Certainly as a captain and as a player, being beaten off the park like that was humiliating." England gained a measure of revenge with a 119-run thrashing of New Zealand in a group-stage match earlier in this World Cup. But that is unlikely to count for much on Sunday. All tournament long, the same comment has been made about New Zealand -- they boast a well-balanced attack led by left-arm quick Trent Boult but are over-reliant on captain Kane Williamson and fellow senior batsman Ross Taylor for their runs. The polite Kiwis have responded by continuing to "scrap", in the phrase of fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, their way to wins as demonstrated by their dramatic 18-run semi-final victory over India. Boult and Matt Henry reduced one of the world's most powerful top orders to 5-3, before left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, aided by superb fielding, backed them up after Williamson and Taylor had made battling fifties on a tricky pitch. While many members of the home side were not even born when England made the last of three losing appearances in a World Cup final in 1992, the Black Caps have the experience of their heavy defeat by co-hosts Australia in the climax of the 2015 edition in Melbourne to call on. "I'd be lying if I said we weren't a bit overawed by the change of scenery," said Taylor as he looked back to New Zealand's first and only match on Australian soil in that tournament. "I think we know what to expect, the pressures that come with it, we've been there before. You just have to enjoy it, it's the 'Home of Cricket', I can't think of a better place to play a final."

England face day of destiny in World Cup final against New Zealand

Former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh believes that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eoin-morgan-has-been-with-me-through-good-and-not-so-good-times-englands-adil-rashid-235458">England are favourites</a> to win the Cricket World Cup 2019 considering their current momentum.&nbsp;

England will face New Zealand in the final battle bidding to win the tournament for the first time. Both the countries have never won the World Cup before and Sunday's winner would create cricketing history.&nbsp;

"I can't really get past England, I've got to say, but I wouldn't be surprised if New Zealand play really well. But England, on current form momentum, it just feels like it's their time," said Waugh ahead of World Cup final.&nbsp;

Eoin Morgan-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-could-bring-world-cup-high-into-ashes-says-ricky-ponting-235508">England team defeated Australia</a> by eight wickets in the semis of the tournament to enter the final after&nbsp;27 years.&nbsp;

"I think, England have been some really (good) form in the last four matches. They deserve to be in the final," said the 1999 World Cup-winning captain.&nbsp;

"New Zealand, they have been up and down and there was a surprise that they beat India in the semifinal but having said that, they deserve their place as well. They'll go in as underdogs but that's why they like it. I think it shapes up as really an outstanding game of cricket on Sunday," he added.&nbsp;

Kane Williamson-led New Zealand defeated India by 18 runs in the first semi-final in a dramatic clash and Waugh said that they would go into the tie as underdogs.&nbsp;

The Black Caps have a good chance of winning it after their surprise win over tournament favourites India.&nbsp;

The final is scheduled to be held on July 14 at Lord's and in case it is intervened by rain then July 15 is kept as the reserve day.&nbsp;

Former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh believes that England are favourites to win the Cricket World Cup 2019 considering their current momentum. England will face New Zealand in the final battle bidding to win the tournament for the first time.

Former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh believes that England are favourites to win the Cricket World Cup 2019 considering their current momentum. England will face New Zealand in the final battle bidding to win the tournament for the first time. Both the countries have never won the World Cup before and Sunday's winner would create cricketing history. "I can't really get past England, I've got to say, but I wouldn't be surprised if New Zealand play really well. But England, on current form momentum, it just feels like it's their time," said Waugh ahead of World Cup final. Eoin Morgan-led England team defeated Australia by eight wickets in the semis of the tournament to enter the final after 27 years. "I think, England have been some really (good) form in the last four matches. They deserve to be in the final," said the 1999 World Cup-winning captain. "New Zealand, they have been up and down and there was a surprise that they beat India in the semifinal but having said that, they deserve their place as well. They'll go in as underdogs but that's why they like it. I think it shapes up as really an outstanding game of cricket on Sunday," he added. Kane Williamson-led New Zealand defeated India by 18 runs in the first semi-final in a dramatic clash and Waugh said that they would go into the tie as underdogs. The Black Caps have a good chance of winning it after their surprise win over tournament favourites India. The final is scheduled to be held on July 14 at Lord's and in case it is intervened by rain then July 15 is kept as the reserve day.

'It feels like it's their time': Steve Waugh picks England to lift World Cup

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 12th, 2019

England swept into their first World Cup final for 27 years as the hosts crushed Australia <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-2nd-semi-final-australia-vs-england-234921">by eight wickets</a> on Thursday to book a clash with New Zealand in Sunday's title match.

Eoin Morgan's side ended Australia's bid to retain the World Cup in ruthless fashion at Edgbaston, dismissing their old rivals for 223 and then powering to victory in 32.1 overs thanks to Jason Roy's blistering 85.

England will head to Lord's bidding to win the 50-over World Cup for the first time, with 2015 runners-up New Zealand, who they thrashed by 119 runs in the group stage, standing between Morgan's men and the trophy.

England, who were in the semi-finals for the first time since 1992, have lost all three of their World Cup finals.

The most recent of those painful defeats came in 1992 when Graham Gooch's side were beaten by Pakistan, while Australia in 1987 and the West Indies in 1979 have also denied England in the final.

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ENGLAND ARE THROUGH TO THE WORLD CUP FINAL! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://t.co/TAbBOODhjM">pic.twitter.com/TAbBOODhjM</a>
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Australia's first-ever World Cup semi-final defeat, after seven previous victories at this stage, shattered the five-time champions' hopes of reaching the final for the sixth time in the past seven editions.

While Australia lick their wounds before facing England in the Ashes next month, the progress of Morgan's team comes after a four-year overhaul.

England's woeful first-round exit at the 2015 World Cup prompted a root-and-branch reform of their approach to one-day internationals for a side that had long placed Test success above all other considerations.

Australian coach Trevor Bayliss was drafted in, sparking an impressive transformation that has seen England climb to number one in the ODI rankings and move to within touching distance of World Cup glory.

Match in numbers:
<img alt="Cricket World Cup semi-final 2. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b91026d-451d-447b-9125-88938f418483" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/semi-final%202.jpg" />
&nbsp;

England swept into their first World Cup final for 27 years as the hosts crushed Australia by eight wickets on Thursday to book a clash with New Zealand in Sunday's title match.

England swept into their first World Cup final for 27 years as the hosts crushed Australia by eight wickets on Thursday to book a clash with New Zealand in Sunday's title match. Eoin Morgan's side ended Australia's bid to retain the World Cup in ruthless fashion at Edgbaston, dismissing their old rivals for 223 and then powering to victory in 32.1 overs thanks to Jason Roy's blistering 85. England will head to Lord's bidding to win the 50-over World Cup for the first time, with 2015 runners-up New Zealand, who they thrashed by 119 runs in the group stage, standing between Morgan's men and the trophy. England, who were in the semi-finals for the first time since 1992, have lost all three of their World Cup finals. The most recent of those painful defeats came in 1992 when Graham Gooch's side were beaten by Pakistan, while Australia in 1987 and the West Indies in 1979 have also denied England in the final. ENGLAND ARE THROUGH TO THE WORLD CUP FINAL! #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/TAbBOODhjM — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 11, 2019 × What a knock that was from Joe Root!#AUSvENG | #CWC19 | #WeAreEngland pic.twitter.com/LSyctEFMjK — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 11, 2019 × Australia's first-ever World Cup semi-final defeat, after seven previous victories at this stage, shattered the five-time champions' hopes of reaching the final for the sixth time in the past seven editions. While Australia lick their wounds before facing England in the Ashes next month, the progress of Morgan's team comes after a four-year overhaul. England's woeful first-round exit at the 2015 World Cup prompted a root-and-branch reform of their approach to one-day internationals for a side that had long placed Test success above all other considerations. Australian coach Trevor Bayliss was drafted in, sparking an impressive transformation that has seen England climb to number one in the ODI rankings and move to within touching distance of World Cup glory. Match in numbers:

England thrash Australia by eight wickets to reach World Cup final

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 11th, 2019

West Indies star all-rounder Chris Gayle loves being the centre of attention and has never failed to make headlines on and off the field for his fun-filled antics.&nbsp;

Be it dancing on the Punjabi tunes or singing the karaoke during the India Premier League (IPL) after-parties, Gayle always adds a distinctive flavour to the ambience.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to Zee Business, Gayle emphasised how entertainment has been equally important for him along with cricket.&nbsp;

''It's all about entertainment for me, and I was able to entertain on a consistent basis over the years,'' Gayle said.&nbsp;

He fondly refers to himself as the "Universe Boss" and even challenges people to find a better entertainer on the cricketing field than him.

''If anyone likes, they can do some research and tell me if I wasn't the greatest entertainer in cricket, then so be it," he said.

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<h5>I love to say funny stuff and get people laughing as well</h5>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-kicked-me-out-of-rcb-relationship-is-spoiled-jokes-widies-cricketer-chris-gayle-234909">'Kohli kicked me out of RCB, relationship is spoiled,' jokes Windies cricketer Chris Gayle</a>

The 39-year old, who played his last World Cup in England was seen having fun on the pitch on several occasions, doing the 'floss dance' as a warm-up or going for a fake DRS review to make even the umpire smile are to name a few.&nbsp;

"Yeah, without a doubt. I love to laugh, I love to say funny stuff and get people laughing as well,'' Gayle said.

"I just say stuff without actually thinking about it. Eventually, some people find it funny, others make a joke out of it," he added.

Watch:&nbsp;Chris Gayle on his career, India connect and Virat Kohli

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The prolific left-handed opener is currently the second-highest One-Day International run-getter for West Indies has accumulated 10,338, just 10 runs short of the legendary Brian Lara.

On being asked about how he reflects on his 20-year long career he said, "Well, I am already remembered as the greatest player of all time. What else do you want to be remembered as?''

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''There is nothing more I can ask for. There are a lot of stories... everybody has something to say about Chris Gayle. I have left a great legacy behind. I am saying that though I'm still playing,'' Gayle said.

Gayle had last month stated that he would call it quits after the ongoing World Cup but speaking to the media on the eve of the game against India in the World Cup, the left-hander said he has had a change of mind and would retire after India's tour of West Indies in August.&nbsp;

West Indies star all-rounder Chris Gayle loves being the centre of attention and has never failed to make headlines on and off the field for his fun-filled antics.

West Indies star all-rounder Chris Gayle loves being the centre of attention and has never failed to make headlines on and off the field for his fun-filled antics. Be it dancing on the Punjabi tunes or singing the karaoke during the India Premier League (IPL) after-parties, Gayle always adds a distinctive flavour to the ambience. Speaking exclusively to Zee Business, Gayle emphasised how entertainment has been equally important for him along with cricket. ''It's all about entertainment for me, and I was able to entertain on a consistent basis over the years,'' Gayle said. He fondly refers to himself as the "Universe Boss" and even challenges people to find a better entertainer on the cricketing field than him. ''If anyone likes, they can do some research and tell me if I wasn't the greatest entertainer in cricket, then so be it," he said. I love to say funny stuff and get people laughing as well × Also Read: 'Kohli kicked me out of RCB, relationship is spoiled,' jokes Windies cricketer Chris Gayle The 39-year old, who played his last World Cup in England was seen having fun on the pitch on several occasions, doing the 'floss dance' as a warm-up or going for a fake DRS review to make even the umpire smile are to name a few. "Yeah, without a doubt. I love to laugh, I love to say funny stuff and get people laughing as well,'' Gayle said. "I just say stuff without actually thinking about it. Eventually, some people find it funny, others make a joke out of it," he added. Watch: Chris Gayle on his career, India connect and Virat Kohli × The prolific left-handed opener is currently the second-highest One-Day International run-getter for West Indies has accumulated 10,338, just 10 runs short of the legendary Brian Lara. On being asked about how he reflects on his 20-year long career he said, "Well, I am already remembered as the greatest player of all time. What else do you want to be remembered as?'' I have left a great legacy behind. I am saying that though I'm still playing × ''There is nothing more I can ask for. There are a lot of stories... everybody has something to say about Chris Gayle. I have left a great legacy behind. I am saying that though I'm still playing,'' Gayle said. Gayle had last month stated that he would call it quits after the ongoing World Cup but speaking to the media on the eve of the game against India in the World Cup, the left-hander said he has had a change of mind and would retire after India's tour of West Indies in August.

'Tell me if I wasn't the greatest entertainer,' says Chris Gayle post World Cup blues

Amid chants of "equal pay," "USA" and streams of confetti, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/major-takeaways-from-story-packed-womens-world-cup-233968">World Cup-winning US women's soccer team</a> was feted by tens of thousands of adoring fans with a ticker tape victory&nbsp;parade&nbsp;in New York on Wednesday.

Wearing identical black T-shirts emblazoned with the words "World Champions" in gold letters, members of the US squad waved to the crowds from slow-moving open-top floats.

Player of the tournament Megan Rapinoe struck her iconic goal-scoring pose as she displayed the World Cup trophy to the cheering fans lining the&nbsp;parade&nbsp;route along Lower Manhattan's fabled "Canyon of Heroes."

Under bright sunny skies, office workers showered the players with white confetti thrown from the windows of skyscrapers lining Broadway.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio joined the US World Cup stars on Rapinoe's float and later hosted the US team in a ceremony at City Hall to present them with the symbolic "Keys to the City."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/megan-rapinoe-says-us-world-cup-teammates-will-snub-white-house-234588">Megan Rapinoe says US World Cup teammates will snub White House</a>

"This group is so resilient, is so tough, has such a sense of humor, is just so bad ass," Rapinoe told the crowd at City Hall. "We have pink hair and purple hair. We have tattoos, dreadlocks.

"We got white girls and black girls, and everything in between. Straight girls and gay girls," she said.

Star striker Alex Morgan also addressed the crowd.

"We have been known as America's favorite soccer team," she said.&nbsp;

"But from here on out, we'll just be known as America's team."

Players were met with chants of "equal pay" during the&nbsp;parade&nbsp;and on one float, they displayed a poster given to them by someone in the crowd which read "Parades Are Cool, Equal Pay Is Cooler."

While the team is celebrated across the country, the squad has also been held up as champions of gender equality.

The women's team is suing the US Soccer Federation to demand equal pay with their male counterparts, and fan chants of "equal pay" also cascaded from the stands at the Stade de Lyon in France after Sunday's victory over the Netherlands.

Victory tour

The&nbsp;parade, which lasted about an hour, is in line with a New York tradition that dates back more than a century.

While the honor has been bestowed on everyone from astronauts to record-breakers, soldiers and world leaders, in recent decades it has more commonly been used to celebrate sports victories by teams such as baseball's New York Yankees or the NFL's New York Giants.

Wednesday's ticker tape celebration is just the first stop on a protracted victory lap that will send the team across the United States in the coming months.

After the festivities in New York, the players will jet off to California to appear at the ESPYs, the US sports world's equivalent of the Oscars, taking place in Los Angeles later on Wednesday.

The team will then be back on the road next month to play in a five-game series of friendly international matches billed as a "Victory Tour", starting with a clash against Ireland at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on August 3.

Also Watch: US Women's football team arrives to cheers and fans in US after winning World Cup

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One stop that looks unlikely is a trip to the White House.

The outspoken Rapinoe has been critical of President Donald Trump, saying last month that she would not accept an invitation from him to visit the White House if the United States won the World Cup.

Trump responded by tweeting that Rapinoe should "win first before she talks."

Speaking to ESPN on Tuesday, Rapinoe noted she had "held up my end of the bargain on that one" before adding that the Twitter exchange with Trump had actually helped the team in France.

She also reiterated that she would not be going to the White House, saying on CNN: "I would not go and every teammate that I've talked to explicitly about it would not go."

"I don't think anyone on the team has any interest in lending the platform that we've worked so hard to build and the things that we fight for and the way that we live our life," Rapinoe said.

"I don't think we want that to be co-opted or corrupted by this administration."

On Monday, the team returned home from France, 24 hours after defeating the Netherlands 2-0 in Sunday's final to clinch a record-extending fourth World Cup crown.

Amid chants of "equal pay," "USA" and streams of confetti, the World Cup-winning US women's soccer team was feted by tens of thousands of adoring fans with a ticker tape victory parade in New York on Wednesday.

Amid chants of "equal pay," "USA" and streams of confetti, the World Cup-winning US women's soccer team was feted by tens of thousands of adoring fans with a ticker tape victory parade in New York on Wednesday. Wearing identical black T-shirts emblazoned with the words "World Champions" in gold letters, members of the US squad waved to the crowds from slow-moving open-top floats. Player of the tournament Megan Rapinoe struck her iconic goal-scoring pose as she displayed the World Cup trophy to the cheering fans lining the parade route along Lower Manhattan's fabled "Canyon of Heroes." Under bright sunny skies, office workers showered the players with white confetti thrown from the windows of skyscrapers lining Broadway. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio joined the US World Cup stars on Rapinoe's float and later hosted the US team in a ceremony at City Hall to present them with the symbolic "Keys to the City." Also Read: Megan Rapinoe says US World Cup teammates will snub White House "This group is so resilient, is so tough, has such a sense of humor, is just so bad ass," Rapinoe told the crowd at City Hall. "We have pink hair and purple hair. We have tattoos, dreadlocks. "We got white girls and black girls, and everything in between. Straight girls and gay girls," she said. Star striker Alex Morgan also addressed the crowd. "We have been known as America's favorite soccer team," she said. "But from here on out, we'll just be known as America's team." Players were met with chants of "equal pay" during the parade and on one float, they displayed a poster given to them by someone in the crowd which read "Parades Are Cool, Equal Pay Is Cooler." While the team is celebrated across the country, the squad has also been held up as champions of gender equality. The women's team is suing the US Soccer Federation to demand equal pay with their male counterparts, and fan chants of "equal pay" also cascaded from the stands at the Stade de Lyon in France after Sunday's victory over the Netherlands. Victory tour The parade, which lasted about an hour, is in line with a New York tradition that dates back more than a century. While the honor has been bestowed on everyone from astronauts to record-breakers, soldiers and world leaders, in recent decades it has more commonly been used to celebrate sports victories by teams such as baseball's New York Yankees or the NFL's New York Giants. Wednesday's ticker tape celebration is just the first stop on a protracted victory lap that will send the team across the United States in the coming months. After the festivities in New York, the players will jet off to California to appear at the ESPYs, the US sports world's equivalent of the Oscars, taking place in Los Angeles later on Wednesday. The team will then be back on the road next month to play in a five-game series of friendly international matches billed as a "Victory Tour", starting with a clash against Ireland at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on August 3. Also Watch: US Women's football team arrives to cheers and fans in US after winning World Cup × One stop that looks unlikely is a trip to the White House. The outspoken Rapinoe has been critical of President Donald Trump, saying last month that she would not accept an invitation from him to visit the White House if the United States won the World Cup. Trump responded by tweeting that Rapinoe should "win first before she talks." Speaking to ESPN on Tuesday, Rapinoe noted she had "held up my end of the bargain on that one" before adding that the Twitter exchange with Trump had actually helped the team in France. She also reiterated that she would not be going to the White House, saying on CNN: "I would not go and every teammate that I've talked to explicitly about it would not go." "I don't think anyone on the team has any interest in lending the platform that we've worked so hard to build and the things that we fight for and the way that we live our life," Rapinoe said. "I don't think we want that to be co-opted or corrupted by this administration." On Monday, the team returned home from France, 24 hours after defeating the Netherlands 2-0 in Sunday's final to clinch a record-extending fourth World Cup crown.

US World Cup winners feted with confetti, chants of 'equal pay'

Kane Williamson praised New Zealand's "brilliant fighting effort" as his side reached their second successive World Cup final with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-stun-india-by-18-runs-to-reach-world-cup-final-234755">dramatic 18-run win</a> over India on Wednesday.

In a semi-final that went into a second day because of rain, New Zealand ripped through India's top-order on Wednesday to reduce the two-time former champions to 24 for four.

Matt&nbsp;Henry and Trent Boult did the damage with the new ball as India's top three of Rohit Sharma, -- who came into match having hit a record five hundreds at a single World Cup -- captain Virat Kohli and KL Rahul all fell for a single apiece in pursuit of a seemingly modest target of 240.

Henry finished with superb figures of three for 37 from his maximum 10 overs and Boult two for 42.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/forty-five-minutes-of-bad-cricket-put-us-out-says-kohli-after-indias-shock-exit-234767">'Forty-five minutes of bad cricket put us out' says Kohli after India's shock exit</a>

"A brilliant fighting effort from our guys on another tough surface," &nbsp;Black Caps skipper Williamson said.

"We wanted 240, 250. Then to have the start with the ball we had was an outstanding way to kick things off and get us into a position of strength."

Williamson's 67 in awkward batting conditions on Tuesday, together with fellow senior batsman Ross Taylor's 74, had provided the cornerstone of New Zealand's 239 for eight.

India were in dire straits in their chase when all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja came in at 92 for six.

But he went on to make 77 and share a World Cup record seventh-wicket partnership of 116 with veteran wicketkeeper MS Dhoni, who made 50 in support.

Williamson eventually held the catch that ended Jadeja's counter-attack following a skyer off left-arm quick Boult.

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"We just had to ask a lot of questions against the best batting line-up." 
 
For his incredible 3/37, including the wickets of the Indian openers, Matt Henry was Player of the Match in the first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> semi-final.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/fsklgDBulB">pic.twitter.com/fsklgDBulB</a>
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"The innings Jadeja played, it was like he was playing on a different wicket, really. He timed the ball beautifully well," Williamson said.

'Small margins'

Asked what he was thinking when he caught Jadeja, the smiling captain answered: "Someone goes 'catch it' and it's sort of... it's above me so it must be mine."

New Zealand came into this match on the back of three straight group-stage defeats by Pakistan, Australia and England.

They qualified fourth on net run-rate while India topped the 10-team group table, making them heavy underdogs against one of the pre-tournament favourites.

"We've seen that anybody can beat anybody," said Williamson, who will now look to lead New Zealand to their first World Cup title against either champions Australia -- the team that beat them in the 2015 final -- or hosts England at Lord's on Sunday.&nbsp;

When it was suggested that New Zealand had plunged billions of India fans into a state of mourning, the understated skipper, who has captained the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, replied: "I hope they're not too angry.

"Obviously, the passion for the game in India is unrivalled and we are all fortunate to play this sport and have a country like India be right behind it.

"But hopefully we can adopt 1.5 billion supporters and they'll be supporting us, what do you reckon?&nbsp;

"The game of cricket is fickle in its nature especially when it comes to the white ball and Twenty20 and one-day cricket.

"Today perhaps some of those small margins went our way and it was great that we could get across the line and beat a very strong side."

Match in numbers:

<img alt="Cricket World Cup. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faee2cd4-2506-4a28-9851-c7d50d6fed56" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/semi-final%201_2.jpg" />

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Kane Williamson praised New Zealand's "brilliant fighting effort" as his side reached their second successive World Cup final with a dramatic 18-run win over India on Wednesday.

Kane Williamson praised New Zealand's "brilliant fighting effort" as his side reached their second successive World Cup final with a dramatic 18-run win over India on Wednesday. In a semi-final that went into a second day because of rain, New Zealand ripped through India's top-order on Wednesday to reduce the two-time former champions to 24 for four. Matt Henry and Trent Boult did the damage with the new ball as India's top three of Rohit Sharma, -- who came into match having hit a record five hundreds at a single World Cup -- captain Virat Kohli and KL Rahul all fell for a single apiece in pursuit of a seemingly modest target of 240. Henry finished with superb figures of three for 37 from his maximum 10 overs and Boult two for 42. Also Read: 'Forty-five minutes of bad cricket put us out' says Kohli after India's shock exit "A brilliant fighting effort from our guys on another tough surface," Black Caps skipper Williamson said. "We wanted 240, 250. Then to have the start with the ball we had was an outstanding way to kick things off and get us into a position of strength." Williamson's 67 in awkward batting conditions on Tuesday, together with fellow senior batsman Ross Taylor's 74, had provided the cornerstone of New Zealand's 239 for eight. India were in dire straits in their chase when all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja came in at 92 for six. But he went on to make 77 and share a World Cup record seventh-wicket partnership of 116 with veteran wicketkeeper MS Dhoni, who made 50 in support. Williamson eventually held the catch that ended Jadeja's counter-attack following a skyer off left-arm quick Boult. "We just had to ask a lot of questions against the best batting line-up." For his incredible 3/37, including the wickets of the Indian openers, Matt Henry was Player of the Match in the first #CWC19 semi-final.#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/fsklgDBulB — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 10, 2019 × "The innings Jadeja played, it was like he was playing on a different wicket, really. He timed the ball beautifully well," Williamson said. 'Small margins' Asked what he was thinking when he caught Jadeja, the smiling captain answered: "Someone goes 'catch it' and it's sort of... it's above me so it must be mine." New Zealand came into this match on the back of three straight group-stage defeats by Pakistan, Australia and England. They qualified fourth on net run-rate while India topped the 10-team group table, making them heavy underdogs against one of the pre-tournament favourites. "We've seen that anybody can beat anybody," said Williamson, who will now look to lead New Zealand to their first World Cup title against either champions Australia -- the team that beat them in the 2015 final -- or hosts England at Lord's on Sunday. When it was suggested that New Zealand had plunged billions of India fans into a state of mourning, the understated skipper, who has captained the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, replied: "I hope they're not too angry. "Obviously, the passion for the game in India is unrivalled and we are all fortunate to play this sport and have a country like India be right behind it. "But hopefully we can adopt 1.5 billion supporters and they'll be supporting us, what do you reckon? "The game of cricket is fickle in its nature especially when it comes to the white ball and Twenty20 and one-day cricket. "Today perhaps some of those small margins went our way and it was great that we could get across the line and beat a very strong side." Match in numbers:

Williamson hails 'brilliant' New Zealand after World Cup stunner

Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that he is proud of his team the way they competed throughout the tournament after losing to New Zealand in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-stun-india-by-18-runs-to-reach-world-cup-final-234755">semi-final by 18 runs</a>.&nbsp;

Kane Williamson-led team entered the final of Cricket World Cup 2019 and will face either host England or defending champions Australia on July 14 at Lord's.&nbsp;

During the post-match presentation, Virat said, "Really proud of the way we competed throughout the tournament."

Two-times champions India got off to a poor start as they were reeling at 24/4 while chasing&nbsp;a modest victory target of 240 in what had appeared to be a one-sided semi-final.&nbsp;

"Always feels bad when you play well all tournament and then 45 minutes of bad cricket puts you out," said Virat on India's performance.&nbsp;

"At times, I think our shot selection could have been better. Otherwise, we played a really good brand of cricket. Really proud of the way we competed throughout the tournament," Virat added.&nbsp;

Kohli praised New Zealand's performance, saying, "New Zealand deserve it, they put us under more pressure."

"As I said, come the knockouts, it's anyone's game and New Zealand showed more composure. They were braver than us and deserve to win," the Indian skipper.&nbsp;

"Thanks to all the fans, thanks for coming out in huge numbers," Kohli thanked the fans who came in large numbers to the "Men in Blue".&nbsp;

Match in numbers:

<img alt="Cricket World Cup" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b0535a5-53f4-4c55-b67d-f19f5918aaac" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/semi-final%201_0.jpg" />

&nbsp;

Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that he is proud of his team the way they competed throughout the tournament after losing to New Zealand in the semi-final by 18 runs.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that he is proud of his team the way they competed throughout the tournament after losing to New Zealand in the semi-final by 18 runs. Kane Williamson-led team entered the final of Cricket World Cup 2019 and will face either host England or defending champions Australia on July 14 at Lord's. During the post-match presentation, Virat said, "Really proud of the way we competed throughout the tournament." Two-times champions India got off to a poor start as they were reeling at 24/4 while chasing a modest victory target of 240 in what had appeared to be a one-sided semi-final. "Always feels bad when you play well all tournament and then 45 minutes of bad cricket puts you out," said Virat on India's performance. "At times, I think our shot selection could have been better. Otherwise, we played a really good brand of cricket. Really proud of the way we competed throughout the tournament," Virat added. Kohli praised New Zealand's performance, saying, "New Zealand deserve it, they put us under more pressure." "As I said, come the knockouts, it's anyone's game and New Zealand showed more composure. They were braver than us and deserve to win," the Indian skipper. "Thanks to all the fans, thanks for coming out in huge numbers," Kohli thanked the fans who came in large numbers to the "Men in Blue". Match in numbers:

World Cup: 'Really proud how we competed,' says Virat Kohli after losing to New Zealand

New Zealand survived Ravindra Jadeja's late onslaught to stun <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-semi-final-1st-india-vs-new-zealand-234231">India by 18 runs</a> in a low-scoring thriller on Wednesday and reach the Cricket World Cup final for the second time in a row.

Twice champions India were reeling at 24-4 in their chase for a modest victory target of 240 in what had appeared to be a lop-sided semi-final.

Jadeja (77) then partnered Mahendra Singh Dhoni in a century-plus stand but India were bowled out for 221 in the final over and New Zealand will play hosts England or defending champions Australia in Sunday's final at Lord's.

Opting to bat first in the rain-hit contest played over two days, New Zealand's 239 for eight looked far from imposing against India's formidable batting lineup.

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After a game like that, all you can do is shake hands and say, 'Well played' 🤝<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://t.co/sZMBMCTtWO">pic.twitter.com/sZMBMCTtWO</a>
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/1148958443518267392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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But Matt Henry (3-37) and Trent Boult (2-42) ripped the heart out of India's top order and spinner Mitchell Santner struck two crucial blows in the middle overs.

Henry dismissed Rohit Sharma, the World Cup's leading scorer, and Boult trapped Kohli lbw in the next over.

The India captain reviewed the decision but could not get it overturned.

The horror continued for India as KL Rahul became the third Indian top order batsman to depart for one, Henry's second caught-behind victim.

Jimmy Neesham took a magnificent left-handed catch to dismiss Dinesh Karthik as India slumped to 24-4 in 10 overs.

Rishabh Pant added 47 runs with Hardik Pandya to somewhat arrest the slide.

Pant made 32 before his wild heave off Santner found Colin de Grandhomme near the mid-wicket boundary.

Pandya, struggling with a hip injury, also made 32 before throwing away his wicket.

Jadeja injected fresh excitement into the match with his brave counter-attack that left his team needing 90 runs off the last 10 overs with four wickets in hand.

He and Dhoni (50) kept India afloat in the chase which was eventually derailed when both fell in successive overs.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson had won the toss on Tuesday and opted to bat at a venue where teams batting first had won all five previous matches in the tournament.

India's new ball pair of Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3-43) and Jasprit Bumrah bowled with impeccable discipline while Jadeja was also very economical with the ball.

Resuming on the reserve day at 211-5, New Zealand added 28 runs from the remaining 23 deliveries as Ross Taylor top-scored with a gutsy 74 to go with Williamson's 67.

Jadeja proved his value as a fielder with a pinpoint throw to run out Taylor and in the next delivery, took a well-judged catch near the ropes to dismiss Tom Latham.

Match in numbers:

<img alt="Cricket World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c050a1a2-2a7c-41f1-8648-ca76e261ce8e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/semi-final%201.jpg" />

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New Zealand survived Ravindra Jadeja's late onslaught to stun India by 18 runs in a low-scoring thriller on Wednesday and reach the Cricket World Cup final for the second time in a row.

New Zealand survived Ravindra Jadeja's late onslaught to stun India by 18 runs in a low-scoring thriller on Wednesday and reach the Cricket World Cup final for the second time in a row. Twice champions India were reeling at 24-4 in their chase for a modest victory target of 240 in what had appeared to be a lop-sided semi-final. Jadeja (77) then partnered Mahendra Singh Dhoni in a century-plus stand but India were bowled out for 221 in the final over and New Zealand will play hosts England or defending champions Australia in Sunday's final at Lord's. Opting to bat first in the rain-hit contest played over two days, New Zealand's 239 for eight looked far from imposing against India's formidable batting lineup. After a game like that, all you can do is shake hands and say, 'Well played' 🤝#INDvNZ | #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/sZMBMCTtWO — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 10, 2019 × But Matt Henry (3-37) and Trent Boult (2-42) ripped the heart out of India's top order and spinner Mitchell Santner struck two crucial blows in the middle overs. Henry dismissed Rohit Sharma, the World Cup's leading scorer, and Boult trapped Kohli lbw in the next over. The India captain reviewed the decision but could not get it overturned. The horror continued for India as KL Rahul became the third Indian top order batsman to depart for one, Henry's second caught-behind victim. Jimmy Neesham took a magnificent left-handed catch to dismiss Dinesh Karthik as India slumped to 24-4 in 10 overs. Rishabh Pant added 47 runs with Hardik Pandya to somewhat arrest the slide. Pant made 32 before his wild heave off Santner found Colin de Grandhomme near the mid-wicket boundary. Pandya, struggling with a hip injury, also made 32 before throwing away his wicket. Jadeja injected fresh excitement into the match with his brave counter-attack that left his team needing 90 runs off the last 10 overs with four wickets in hand. He and Dhoni (50) kept India afloat in the chase which was eventually derailed when both fell in successive overs. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson had won the toss on Tuesday and opted to bat at a venue where teams batting first had won all five previous matches in the tournament. India's new ball pair of Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3-43) and Jasprit Bumrah bowled with impeccable discipline while Jadeja was also very economical with the ball. Resuming on the reserve day at 211-5, New Zealand added 28 runs from the remaining 23 deliveries as Ross Taylor top-scored with a gutsy 74 to go with Williamson's 67. Jadeja proved his value as a fielder with a pinpoint throw to run out Taylor and in the next delivery, took a well-judged catch near the ropes to dismiss Tom Latham. Match in numbers:

New Zealand stun India by 18 runs to reach World Cup final

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 10th, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-rohit-sharma-is-the-best-odi-player-says-virat-kohli-234035">Virat Kohli</a>-led Indian cricket team face Kane Williamson's side in the first semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019 on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Two-time champions India and 2015 runners-up New Zealand will leave no stone unturned when they will battle for a finale berth at Manchester's Old Trafford cricket stadium.&nbsp;

India topped the group stage with seven wins from nine matches, while New Zealand limped into the last four after three successive defeats.&nbsp;

It is ironic that India's only washout in the group came against New Zealand, who had beaten the two-time champions in a warm-up game in May.&nbsp;

The two teams have played a total of 106 ODIs against each other, of which India have won 55 while New Zealand won 45. One match was tied between the two.

In World Cup history, both the teams have played a total of eight matches. India won three and New Zealand four, one got abandoned.&nbsp;

Watch: Virat's pre-match press conference

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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-know-what-will-happen-if-india-vs-new-zealand-match-gets-abandoned-234101">Know what will happen if India vs New Zealand match gets abandoned</a>

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Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team face Kane Williamson's side in the first semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019 on Tuesday. Two-time champions India and 2015 runners-up New Zealand will leave no stone unturned when they will battle for a finale berth at Manchester's Old Trafford cricket stadium.

Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team face Kane Williamson's side in the first semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019 on Tuesday. Two-time champions India and 2015 runners-up New Zealand will leave no stone unturned when they will battle for a finale berth at Manchester's Old Trafford cricket stadium. India topped the group stage with seven wins from nine matches, while New Zealand limped into the last four after three successive defeats. It is ironic that India's only washout in the group came against New Zealand, who had beaten the two-time champions in a warm-up game in May. The two teams have played a total of 106 ODIs against each other, of which India have won 55 while New Zealand won 45. One match was tied between the two. In World Cup history, both the teams have played a total of eight matches. India won three and New Zealand four, one got abandoned. Watch: Virat's pre-match press conference × Also Read: Know what will happen if India vs New Zealand match gets abandoned

Cricket World Cup, semi-final: India vs New Zealand head-to-head records

The first semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and New Zealand, which is underway in Manchester's Old Trafford,&nbsp;has been stopped due to rain.&nbsp;

Opting to bat first,&nbsp;New Zealand reached 211/5 off 46.1 overs before the match was halted.&nbsp;

The umpires will try everything they can to complete the game today and have&nbsp;at least a&nbsp;minimum of 20 overs per innings as there is an additional two hours' playing time to complete the match.&nbsp;

Although, if the conditions don't allow to get the match started then play will resume tomorrow, which is scheduled as the reserve day for today's match.&nbsp;

But the reserve day will only come into operation if the minimum 20 over-per-side match needed for a result under the Duckworth-Lewis method&nbsp;cannot be finished.&nbsp;

In that case, the match would continue Wednesday from where it left off rather than be re-started.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-old-trafford-becomes-no-fly-zone-for-india-vs-new-zealand-semi-final-clash-234279">Old Trafford becomes 'no fly zone' for India vs New Zealand semi-final clash</a>

Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-takes-stunning-catch-to-dismiss-new-zealands-martin-guptill-in-semi-final-234308">Virat Kohli takes stunning catch to dismiss New Zealand's Martin Guptill in semi-final</a>

But if a 20 overs per side match cannot be completed on Wednesday as well, India would reach the final owing to their better finish in the 10-team group stage.&nbsp;

In the match, Ross Taylor was 67 not out and Tom Latham three not out when persistent rain worsened sufficiently for the umpires to take the players off the field at 2:00pm (1300 GMT) with 23 balls of the scheduled 50 overs in the innings left.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson had earlier made 67.

India's pacer Jasprit Bumrah led a&nbsp;disciplined bowling attack as in his eight overs, he took&nbsp;1 wicket and gave 25 runs.&nbsp;

The first semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and New Zealand, which is underway in Manchester's Old Trafford, has been stopped due to rain. Opting to bat first, New Zealand reached 211/5 off 46.

The first semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and New Zealand, which is underway in Manchester's Old Trafford, has been stopped due to rain. Opting to bat first, New Zealand reached 211/5 off 46.1 overs before the match was halted. The umpires will try everything they can to complete the game today and have at least a minimum of 20 overs per innings as there is an additional two hours' playing time to complete the match. Although, if the conditions don't allow to get the match started then play will resume tomorrow, which is scheduled as the reserve day for today's match. But the reserve day will only come into operation if the minimum 20 over-per-side match needed for a result under the Duckworth-Lewis method cannot be finished. In that case, the match would continue Wednesday from where it left off rather than be re-started. Also Read: Old Trafford becomes 'no fly zone' for India vs New Zealand semi-final clash Watch: Virat Kohli takes stunning catch to dismiss New Zealand's Martin Guptill in semi-final But if a 20 overs per side match cannot be completed on Wednesday as well, India would reach the final owing to their better finish in the 10-team group stage. In the match, Ross Taylor was 67 not out and Tom Latham three not out when persistent rain worsened sufficiently for the umpires to take the players off the field at 2:00pm (1300 GMT) with 23 balls of the scheduled 50 overs in the innings left. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson had earlier made 67. India's pacer Jasprit Bumrah led a disciplined bowling attack as in his eight overs, he took 1 wicket and gave 25 runs.

India vs New Zealand, semi-final: Know about reserve day rules

The first semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019 between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-semi-final-1st-india-vs-new-zealand-234231">India and New Zealand</a> is underway at Manchester's Old Trafford stadium and the Kiwis have opted to bat first.&nbsp;

The venue has been made a "No Fly Zone" for security purposes as during India's last league stage match, a flight flew carrying a political message over the stadium during the Sri Lanka innings.&nbsp;

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that airspace over Old Trafford, in Manchester will remain shut during the match, as per the ANI source.&nbsp;

ECB also told BCCI that the Old Trafford stadium has been made a "no fly zone" for the match.&nbsp;

After the security breach during India vs Sri Lanka match, the ICC issued a statement and said that they do not condone any sort of political messages at the tournament.&nbsp;

"We are incredibly disappointed this has happened again. We do not condone any sort of political messages at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup," an ICC statement said.&nbsp;

ICC further said they were assured by the West Yorkshire Police that such incidents will not be repeated. &nbsp;

It was the third time that such kind of incident took place during the ongoing tournament.&nbsp;

The first semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and New Zealand is underway at Manchester's Old Trafford stadium and the Kiwis have opted to bat first.

The first semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and New Zealand is underway at Manchester's Old Trafford stadium and the Kiwis have opted to bat first. The venue has been made a "No Fly Zone" for security purposes as during India's last league stage match, a flight flew carrying a political message over the stadium during the Sri Lanka innings. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that airspace over Old Trafford, in Manchester will remain shut during the match, as per the ANI source. ECB also told BCCI that the Old Trafford stadium has been made a "no fly zone" for the match. After the security breach during India vs Sri Lanka match, the ICC issued a statement and said that they do not condone any sort of political messages at the tournament. "We are incredibly disappointed this has happened again. We do not condone any sort of political messages at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup," an ICC statement said. ICC further said they were assured by the West Yorkshire Police that such incidents will not be repeated. It was the third time that such kind of incident took place during the ongoing tournament.

World Cup: Old Trafford becomes 'no fly zone' for India vs New Zealand semi-final clash

Australia's World Cup defence suffered a blow on Sunday after batsman Usman Khawaja was ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury ahead of Thursday's semi-final against England.

All-rounder Marcus Stoinis, nursing a side strain, is also doubtful, head coach Justin Langer said.

"Ussie's got a hamstring strain so he'll be out for probably three to four weeks, which is a real shame, but we have to work hard on getting him up for the Ashes now," Langer said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-australia-get-matthew-wade-and-mitchell-marsh-as-cover-for-khawaja-and-stoinis-233811">Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh</a> have been drafted in as cover for the injured duo.

"Not in the final XI yet but Matthew Wade is coming up. He's in great form, he's had a great 12 or so months back home, but he's also just scored two hundreds in one-day cricket so he's in great nick," Langer added. "And Mitch Marsh is going to come on standby for Stoinis."

Batting at number three, Khawaja scored a couple of 80s in his last four innings at the World Cup before retiring hurt in Saturday's loss to South Africa. He did return to bat later in the innings but was clearly in pain.

Langer hoped the left-hander would be fit for the first Ashes test against England at Edgbaston from August 1.

"Conservatively it'll be three or four weeks, and with all the help and the rehab he'll get hopefully he'll be right for the practice game or certainly the first test."

Stoinis bowled only three overs at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"Marcus is the same, got another strain in his other side actually, so we are working through that at the moment and we'll have to make a decision on him in the next 24 to 48 hours," Langer said.

Both Wade and Marsh were part of the Australia A squad who began their four-day clash with Sussex in Arundel on Sunday.

Australia had earlier drafted in batsman Peter Handscomb for the injured Shaun Marsh.

Australia's World Cup defence suffered a blow on Sunday after batsman Usman Khawaja was ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury ahead of Thursday's semi-final against England.

Australia's World Cup defence suffered a blow on Sunday after batsman Usman Khawaja was ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury ahead of Thursday's semi-final against England. All-rounder Marcus Stoinis, nursing a side strain, is also doubtful, head coach Justin Langer said. "Ussie's got a hamstring strain so he'll be out for probably three to four weeks, which is a real shame, but we have to work hard on getting him up for the Ashes now," Langer said. Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh have been drafted in as cover for the injured duo. "Not in the final XI yet but Matthew Wade is coming up. He's in great form, he's had a great 12 or so months back home, but he's also just scored two hundreds in one-day cricket so he's in great nick," Langer added. "And Mitch Marsh is going to come on standby for Stoinis." Batting at number three, Khawaja scored a couple of 80s in his last four innings at the World Cup before retiring hurt in Saturday's loss to South Africa. He did return to bat later in the innings but was clearly in pain. Langer hoped the left-hander would be fit for the first Ashes test against England at Edgbaston from August 1. "Conservatively it'll be three or four weeks, and with all the help and the rehab he'll get hopefully he'll be right for the practice game or certainly the first test." Stoinis bowled only three overs at Old Trafford on Saturday. "Marcus is the same, got another strain in his other side actually, so we are working through that at the moment and we'll have to make a decision on him in the next 24 to 48 hours," Langer said. Both Wade and Marsh were part of the Australia A squad who began their four-day clash with Sussex in Arundel on Sunday. Australia had earlier drafted in batsman Peter Handscomb for the injured Shaun Marsh.

Aussie blow as Usman Khawaja ruled out of World Cup, Marcus Stoinis struggles

New Zealand have the capacity to upset <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-its-india-vs-new-zealand-and-australia-vs-england-in-semis-233669">Cricket World Cup</a> favourites India in Tuesday's semi-final if they can make an explosive start to the match, according to former captain Daniel Vettori.

After making a fast start to the tournament, the Black Caps lost their last three round-robin games and qualified for the semi-finals in fourth place to set up a clash with the top-ranked Indians in Manchester.

They are heavy underdogs to get to their second successive final but Vettori said anything was possible if New Zealand hit the ground running.

"A three-match losing streak can evaporate pretty quickly with a great 10 overs at the start," Vettori wrote in his International Cricket Council column.

"If New Zealand get off to a great start, with bat or ball, the streak will soon be forgotten."

Vettori said that out-of-form opening batsman Martin Guptill, who has scored just 166 runs in eight innings, was key to that game plan on the batting side.

"He has done it before so many times, and knowing him as I do, I am sure he can turn it around again and very quickly it will become a different story," he added.

"Don't forget he actually started this tournament pretty well with an unbeaten half-century against Sri Lanka, so he doesn't have to look back all that far for proof of what he can still do at this level."

The former left-arm spinner said the rest of New Zealand's batting lineup should also follow the same tactics that England had in the round-robin stage when they beat India by 31 runs at Edgbaston.

Eoin Morgan's team saw off the "basically unplayable" quick Jasprit Bumrah then attacked the rest of the Indian bowlers in a blueprint Vettori believes New Zealand have the talent to follow.

"New Zealand have got all the ingredients in place to put on a big total. I know they haven't done it yet. The Black Caps have the plan in place to post something big, it just all needs to come together at the right time."

Attacking in the opening 10 overs with the ball was also paramount, he wrote, even if India were the best side at assessing conditions and adjusting their batting accordingly.

"They will have to be aggressive right from the outset and bowl to take wickets. If you take early wickets and can get at that Indian middle-order then you have a chance.

"The key will be Trent Boult, he knows these Indian batsmen extremely well at this point. They have to stay aggressive, bowl to get wickets and let Trent work his magic at the start, in the middle and at the death."

New Zealand have the capacity to upset Cricket World Cup favourites India in Tuesday's semi-final if they can make an explosive start to the match, according to former captain Daniel Vettori.

New Zealand have the capacity to upset Cricket World Cup favourites India in Tuesday's semi-final if they can make an explosive start to the match, according to former captain Daniel Vettori. After making a fast start to the tournament, the Black Caps lost their last three round-robin games and qualified for the semi-finals in fourth place to set up a clash with the top-ranked Indians in Manchester. They are heavy underdogs to get to their second successive final but Vettori said anything was possible if New Zealand hit the ground running. "A three-match losing streak can evaporate pretty quickly with a great 10 overs at the start," Vettori wrote in his International Cricket Council column. "If New Zealand get off to a great start, with bat or ball, the streak will soon be forgotten." Vettori said that out-of-form opening batsman Martin Guptill, who has scored just 166 runs in eight innings, was key to that game plan on the batting side. "He has done it before so many times, and knowing him as I do, I am sure he can turn it around again and very quickly it will become a different story," he added. "Don't forget he actually started this tournament pretty well with an unbeaten half-century against Sri Lanka, so he doesn't have to look back all that far for proof of what he can still do at this level." The former left-arm spinner said the rest of New Zealand's batting lineup should also follow the same tactics that England had in the round-robin stage when they beat India by 31 runs at Edgbaston. Eoin Morgan's team saw off the "basically unplayable" quick Jasprit Bumrah then attacked the rest of the Indian bowlers in a blueprint Vettori believes New Zealand have the talent to follow. "New Zealand have got all the ingredients in place to put on a big total. I know they haven't done it yet. The Black Caps have the plan in place to post something big, it just all needs to come together at the right time." Attacking in the opening 10 overs with the ball was also paramount, he wrote, even if India were the best side at assessing conditions and adjusting their batting accordingly. "They will have to be aggressive right from the outset and bowl to take wickets. If you take early wickets and can get at that Indian middle-order then you have a chance. "The key will be Trent Boult, he knows these Indian batsmen extremely well at this point. They have to stay aggressive, bowl to get wickets and let Trent work his magic at the start, in the middle and at the death."

New Zealand can beat India with an explosive start, says Daniel Vettori

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-rain-could-play-spoilsport-in-india-vs-new-zealand-semi-final-match-at-old-trafford-234099">rain-threat looms large over both the semi-finals</a> of the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, the apex cricketing body released information regarding reserve days for the knock-out stages of the tournament.

Reserve days will be in place for both semi-finals and final of the tournament.

The semi-finals of the tournament will be played between India-New Zealand and Australia-England.

A reserve day is required if the match officials decide that the ground and pitch conditions are not suitable for play to continue on the scheduled match day.

All the steps are taken to finish the match on the scheduled date even if it requires shortening the match up to 20-overs per side or extending the match up to 120 minutes.

If there is still no result on the scheduled match day, then the play goes on the reserve day, and the same time and hours of play are used as the scheduled match day.

If no overs are bowled on the scheduled match day, then a full-50 overs per side match takes place on the reserve day if the weather permits. If the match ends up in a tie, super over is used to determine the winner.

However, if no play takes place on the reserve day of the semi-final as well, then the higher placed team from the group stages progress to the finals of the tournament.

If there is no play possible on either the scheduled day of the final, or the reserve Day, the World Cup gets shared between the two finalist teams.

Reserve days for the semi-finals and final of the World Cup: 

Semi-final 1: India vs New Zealand -July 10

Semi-final 2: England vs Australia -July 12

Final: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 - July 15

Watch: Virat's pre-match press conference

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The semi-final between India and New Zealand is scheduled to take place on July 9 whereas semi-final between England and Australia will take place on July 11 and final is scheduled on July 14.&nbsp;

There were no reserve days for the group stages of the tournament and as a result, four matches got abandoned due to rain and the apex cricketing body was criticised for not having reserve days in place.&nbsp;

As rain-threat looms large over both the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, the apex cricketing body released information regarding reserve days for the knock-out stages of the tournament.

As rain-threat looms large over both the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, the apex cricketing body released information regarding reserve days for the knock-out stages of the tournament. Reserve days will be in place for both semi-finals and final of the tournament. The semi-finals of the tournament will be played between India-New Zealand and Australia-England. A reserve day is required if the match officials decide that the ground and pitch conditions are not suitable for play to continue on the scheduled match day. All the steps are taken to finish the match on the scheduled date even if it requires shortening the match up to 20-overs per side or extending the match up to 120 minutes. If there is still no result on the scheduled match day, then the play goes on the reserve day, and the same time and hours of play are used as the scheduled match day. If no overs are bowled on the scheduled match day, then a full-50 overs per side match takes place on the reserve day if the weather permits. If the match ends up in a tie, super over is used to determine the winner. However, if no play takes place on the reserve day of the semi-final as well, then the higher placed team from the group stages progress to the finals of the tournament. If there is no play possible on either the scheduled day of the final, or the reserve Day, the World Cup gets shared between the two finalist teams. Reserve days for the semi-finals and final of the World Cup: Semi-final 1: India vs New Zealand -July 10 Semi-final 2: England vs Australia -July 12 Final: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 - July 15 Watch: Virat's pre-match press conference × The semi-final between India and New Zealand is scheduled to take place on July 9 whereas semi-final between England and Australia will take place on July 11 and final is scheduled on July 14. There were no reserve days for the group stages of the tournament and as a result, four matches got abandoned due to rain and the apex cricketing body was criticised for not having reserve days in place.

World Cup: Know what will happen if India vs New Zealand match gets abandoned

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has posted an image of all four captains who led their teams to the semi-finals of Cricket World Cup 2018 with a caption, "The Fab Four #CWC19".&nbsp;

India, Australia, England and New Zealand have entered the semis and ICC posted the image of Virat Kohli, Aaron Finch, Eoin Morgan and Kane Williamson standing according to their team's respective position on the World Cup standings.&nbsp;

India atop the points table and will face fourth-positioned New Zealand in the semi-final, which is scheduled to take place on July 9.&nbsp;

While second-placed and defending champions Australia will face hosts England in a much-anticipated clash in Birmingham on July 11.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The Fab Four 🙌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KaneWilliamson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KaneWilliamson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EoinMorgan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EoinMorgan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AaronFinch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AaronFinch</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViratKohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViratKohli</a> <a href="https://t.co/q1X0ARRGEC">pic.twitter.com/q1X0ARRGEC</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1148136604449611778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The final will be played at the Lord`s on July 14.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-know-what-will-happen-if-india-vs-new-zealand-match-gets-abandoned-234101">Know what will happen if India vs New Zealand match gets abandoned</a>

<img alt="Cricket World Cup" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b48f5eb-268f-450e-ad17-b886201079aa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/semi-final_2.jpg" />

&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has posted an image of all four captains who led their teams to the semi-finals of Cricket World Cup 2018 with a caption, "The Fab Four #CWC19".

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has posted an image of all four captains who led their teams to the semi-finals of Cricket World Cup 2018 with a caption, "The Fab Four #CWC19". India, Australia, England and New Zealand have entered the semis and ICC posted the image of Virat Kohli, Aaron Finch, Eoin Morgan and Kane Williamson standing according to their team's respective position on the World Cup standings. India atop the points table and will face fourth-positioned New Zealand in the semi-final, which is scheduled to take place on July 9. While second-placed and defending champions Australia will face hosts England in a much-anticipated clash in Birmingham on July 11. The Fab Four 🙌 #CWC19 #KaneWilliamson #EoinMorgan #AaronFinch #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/q1X0ARRGEC — ICC (@ICC) July 8, 2019 × The final will be played at the Lord`s on July 14. Also Read: Know what will happen if India vs New Zealand match gets abandoned

Here's the 'Fab Four' Cricket World Cup 2019

The first semi-final match of Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and New Zealand might get affected by rain. The much-anticipated match is scheduled for July 9 at Old Trafford.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-decision-making-will-be-crucial-says-virat-kohli-ahead-of-semis-234029">Virat Kohli</a>-led team finished at the top of the standings with 15 points while New Zealand settled in the fourth position with 11 points.&nbsp;

The league match between India and New Zealand was washed away without even toss and it is expected that skies will remain cloudy throughout the day during their crucial semi-final match.&nbsp;

So far in the tournament, teams batting first have won each of the five games played at Old Trafford. Considering the conditions, both captains will look to bat first.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-know-what-will-happen-if-india-vs-new-zealand-match-gets-abandoned-234101">Know what will happen if India vs New Zealand match gets abandoned</a>

Although, the weather is expected to get drier in the afternoon but it's going to be humid as well and overcast. &nbsp;

The official site of Met Office gave a forecast for Tuesday's weather, it published, "Much of Cumbria and Lancashire will have patchy rain on and off throughout the day. Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire will be rather cloudy but avoid most of the rain. Maximum temperature 20 °C."

For Wednesday to Friday: "Rain or showers are likely on Wednesday followed by warm humid weather on Thursday and Friday, accompanied by some heavy thundery showers."

"The weather could be playing a part for India against New Zealand. It is going to be gloomy as there is rain close by Old Trafford. It looks slightly going to be rainy, drizzly, on and off for the morning," the Met Office told ANI."

Watch: Virat's pre-match press conference

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Following are the squads:

India: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, MS Dhoni (wk), KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami&nbsp;

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, James Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.

The first semi-final match of Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and New Zealand might get affected by rain. The much-anticipated match is scheduled for July 9 at Old Trafford.

The first semi-final match of Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and New Zealand might get affected by rain. The much-anticipated match is scheduled for July 9 at Old Trafford. Virat Kohli-led team finished at the top of the standings with 15 points while New Zealand settled in the fourth position with 11 points. The league match between India and New Zealand was washed away without even toss and it is expected that skies will remain cloudy throughout the day during their crucial semi-final match. So far in the tournament, teams batting first have won each of the five games played at Old Trafford. Considering the conditions, both captains will look to bat first. Also Read: Know what will happen if India vs New Zealand match gets abandoned Although, the weather is expected to get drier in the afternoon but it's going to be humid as well and overcast. The official site of Met Office gave a forecast for Tuesday's weather, it published, "Much of Cumbria and Lancashire will have patchy rain on and off throughout the day. Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire will be rather cloudy but avoid most of the rain. Maximum temperature 20 °C." For Wednesday to Friday: "Rain or showers are likely on Wednesday followed by warm humid weather on Thursday and Friday, accompanied by some heavy thundery showers." "The weather could be playing a part for India against New Zealand. It is going to be gloomy as there is rain close by Old Trafford. It looks slightly going to be rainy, drizzly, on and off for the morning," the Met Office told ANI." Watch: Virat's pre-match press conference × Following are the squads: India: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, MS Dhoni (wk), KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, James Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.

World Cup: Rain could play spoilsport in India vs New Zealand semi-final match at Old Trafford

The women footballers of United States might have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usa-win-womens-world-cup-after-beating-netherlands-2-0-in-final-233834">won the World Cup</a> for a record fourth time but their off-field fight for pay equity continues.&nbsp;

Throughout the tournament, fans demanded equal pay for the players with some of them even marching to stadiums with banners displaying "equal play".&nbsp;

They even booed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and French president Emmanuel Macron during the prize distribution ceremony after the final and gave a hero-like reception to the player of the match, co-captain Megan Rapinoe.&nbsp;

Some US websites reported that more than 50 members of Congress wrote to the national federation a few months ago saying that female football players receive a base salary of about $30,000 less than their male counterparts.&nbsp;

They also mentioned that they earn less bonus money for making it to the World Cup.&nbsp;

Amid a growing outcry over the pay disparity between the men's and women's players, Infantino said that he wants to expand the field of teams for the next World Cup in 2023 from 24 to 32 and double the prize money to $60 million. But so far he has not said anything about increasing the salary of women players.&nbsp;

The US women's football team salary depends on how well the squad does in the World Cup and few sponsors also pay according to the performance.&nbsp;

Ahead of the World Cup, Australia made a landmark decision to raise the women players’ salaries. This will see professional female footballers in the country earning the same minimum wage as their male counterparts. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Under a new collective bargaining agreement unveiled, the base annual pay for players in the W-League was hiked 33 per cent to Aus $16,344 (US$11,393).

The women footballers of United States might have won the World Cup for a record fourth time but their off-field fight for pay equity continues. Throughout the tournament, fans demanded equal pay for the players with some of them even marching to stadiums with banners displaying "equal play".

The women footballers of United States might have won the World Cup for a record fourth time but their off-field fight for pay equity continues. Throughout the tournament, fans demanded equal pay for the players with some of them even marching to stadiums with banners displaying "equal play". They even booed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and French president Emmanuel Macron during the prize distribution ceremony after the final and gave a hero-like reception to the player of the match, co-captain Megan Rapinoe. Some US websites reported that more than 50 members of Congress wrote to the national federation a few months ago saying that female football players receive a base salary of about $30,000 less than their male counterparts. They also mentioned that they earn less bonus money for making it to the World Cup. Amid a growing outcry over the pay disparity between the men's and women's players, Infantino said that he wants to expand the field of teams for the next World Cup in 2023 from 24 to 32 and double the prize money to $60 million. But so far he has not said anything about increasing the salary of women players. The US women's football team salary depends on how well the squad does in the World Cup and few sponsors also pay according to the performance. Ahead of the World Cup, Australia made a landmark decision to raise the women players’ salaries. This will see professional female footballers in the country earning the same minimum wage as their male counterparts. Under a new collective bargaining agreement unveiled, the base annual pay for players in the W-League was hiked 33 per cent to Aus $16,344 (US$11,393).

US women footballers win World Cup battle, but still fighting for ‘equal pay’

India atop the points table in the ongoing premier tournament and will face fourth-positioned New Zealand in the semi-final, which is scheduled to take place on July 9.

India team better equipped to play under pressure, says Virat Kohli ahead of semi-final tie

Virat&nbsp;Kohli admits Rohit Sharma's blistering form has made him alter his own role in the top-order as India gear up for Tuesday's World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.

Sharma has smashed a record five centuries in a single World Cup to lead the tournament batting charts with 647 runs from eight innings.

Kohli has hit five fifties but a hundred has so far eluded the world's top ODI and Test batsman, who is happy to let Sharma play the more aggressive role once again when they face New Zealand at Old Trafford.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-odi-rankings-virat-kohli-jasprit-bumrah-remains-at-top-with-gain-in-points-233839">ICC ODI Rankings- Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah remains at top with gain in points</a>

"It's been a different kind of role that I have had to play in this World Cup. As the captain of the team I have been open to play any role that the team wants me to," Kohli told reporters on Monday.

"It's great that Rohit is playing so consistently which means that coming in the later half of the innings you have to play a different role, which is controlling and letting guys like Hardik (Pandya), Kedar (Jadhav) and MS (Dhoni) and Rishabh (Pant) come out and express themselves.

"I have understood that roles can vary a lot in one-day cricket depending on the time you step in to bat."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-decision-making-will-be-crucial-says-virat-kohli-ahead-of-semis-234029">'Decision making will be crucial,' says Virat Kohli ahead of semis</a>

Sharma comes in to the New Zealand contest on the back of three successive tons and two 180-plus opening stands with partner KL Rahul.

Kohli, who bats at number three, was unbeaten on 34 when India won their final group game against Sri Lanka on Saturday and insists he is happy doing his more low-key job.

"I've been very happy with holding one end and letting guys express themselves, striking at 150, 160 or 200 if the team needs. I know that I can accelerate in the end," Kohli said.

"I hope he (Sharma) gets two more (centuries) so that we can win two more games because it's an outstanding achievement.

"He deserves all the credit and, according to me, he's at the moment the top ODI player in the world."

'Used to pressure'

India's matches in England have witnessed packed houses with fans of the cricket-crazy nation thronging to the venues carrying the Indian tri-colour and wearing blue replica shirts.

Kohli acknowledged the pressure each game brings, but he was adamant the team is used to performing under such high expectations.

"Look, the&nbsp;Indian team always carry a lot of pressure whenever we play. We are used to that to be quite honest," said Kohli, who was part of India's World Cup-winning team in 2011.

"We are better equipped to react in these situations because we know what these kind of games and our fan base and the expectations bring.&nbsp;

"The disappointment is equal on either side. Our aim and our focus is on winning."

Watch the entire interview:

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MS Dhoni is highly unlikely to feature in the next edition of the 50-over World Cup as the wicketkeeper-batsman turned 38 on Sunday.

Kohli sidestepped questions on a possible send-off for the former captain as he praised the veteran's contribution to Indian cricket.

"I am certainly not going to write anything down," Kohli said in response to the potential for Dhoni to say farewell.

"I am sure everyone, if you ask them about him, they have special things to say. Especially those who started their careers under him.

"When a person has done so much for the team, you have to appreciate and acknowledge what he has done for Indian cricket and how he has handled Indian cricket and taken respect for Indian cricket so high all over the world."
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Virat Kohli admits Rohit Sharma's blistering form has made him alter his own role in the top-order as India gear up for Tuesday's World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.

Virat Kohli admits Rohit Sharma's blistering form has made him alter his own role in the top-order as India gear up for Tuesday's World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. Sharma has smashed a record five centuries in a single World Cup to lead the tournament batting charts with 647 runs from eight innings. Kohli has hit five fifties but a hundred has so far eluded the world's top ODI and Test batsman, who is happy to let Sharma play the more aggressive role once again when they face New Zealand at Old Trafford. Also Read: ICC ODI Rankings- Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah remains at top with gain in points "It's been a different kind of role that I have had to play in this World Cup. As the captain of the team I have been open to play any role that the team wants me to," Kohli told reporters on Monday. "It's great that Rohit is playing so consistently which means that coming in the later half of the innings you have to play a different role, which is controlling and letting guys like Hardik (Pandya), Kedar (Jadhav) and MS (Dhoni) and Rishabh (Pant) come out and express themselves. "I have understood that roles can vary a lot in one-day cricket depending on the time you step in to bat." Also Read: 'Decision making will be crucial,' says Virat Kohli ahead of semis Sharma comes in to the New Zealand contest on the back of three successive tons and two 180-plus opening stands with partner KL Rahul. Kohli, who bats at number three, was unbeaten on 34 when India won their final group game against Sri Lanka on Saturday and insists he is happy doing his more low-key job. "I've been very happy with holding one end and letting guys express themselves, striking at 150, 160 or 200 if the team needs. I know that I can accelerate in the end," Kohli said. "I hope he (Sharma) gets two more (centuries) so that we can win two more games because it's an outstanding achievement. "He deserves all the credit and, according to me, he's at the moment the top ODI player in the world." 'Used to pressure' India's matches in England have witnessed packed houses with fans of the cricket-crazy nation thronging to the venues carrying the Indian tri-colour and wearing blue replica shirts. Kohli acknowledged the pressure each game brings, but he was adamant the team is used to performing under such high expectations. "Look, the Indian team always carry a lot of pressure whenever we play. We are used to that to be quite honest," said Kohli, who was part of India's World Cup-winning team in 2011. "We are better equipped to react in these situations because we know what these kind of games and our fan base and the expectations bring. "The disappointment is equal on either side. Our aim and our focus is on winning." Watch the entire interview: × MS Dhoni is highly unlikely to feature in the next edition of the 50-over World Cup as the wicketkeeper-batsman turned 38 on Sunday. Kohli sidestepped questions on a possible send-off for the former captain as he praised the veteran's contribution to Indian cricket. "I am certainly not going to write anything down," Kohli said in response to the potential for Dhoni to say farewell. "I am sure everyone, if you ask them about him, they have special things to say. Especially those who started their careers under him. "When a person has done so much for the team, you have to appreciate and acknowledge what he has done for Indian cricket and how he has handled Indian cricket and taken respect for Indian cricket so high all over the world."

World Cup: Rohit Sharma is the best ODI player, says Virat Kohli

The crowd at the women's World Cup final booed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and French president Emmanuel Macron as United States fans demanded equal pay for the players after their team <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usa-win-womens-world-cup-after-beating-netherlands-2-0-in-final-233834">claimed a fourth global title</a> by beating the Netherlands 2-0 on Sunday.

Macron and Infantino, the head of soccer's world governing body, were turned on by the supporters as they approached the ceremony podium -- a sharp contrast with the hero-like reception given to player of the match Megan Rapinoe by the 57,900 crowd.

Despite a recent rebound, Macron's popularity was last at 38 per cent in an Ifop poll, up 15 points since a low in December at the peak of the anti-government yellow-vest crisis.

US&nbsp;captain Rapinoe, the leading voice for equal pay in a sport where the men are far better paid than the women, scored the opening goal with a VAR-awarded penalty in the 61st minute at the sold-out Groupama Stadium.&nbsp;

Rose Lavelle rounded off the victory eight minutes later as the Americans added to their 1991, 1999 and 2015 world titles.

After the game Rapinoe told reporters,&nbsp;"I think everyone is ready for this conversation and move to the next step. I think we're done with,&nbsp;'Are we worth it? Should we have equal pay?'."

Earlier this year, members of the US&nbsp;squad were named as plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the national soccer federation alleging gender discrimination.

Watch: Fans booed&nbsp;FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and French president Emmanuel Macron

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Fans booed Infantino and followed it up by chanting “equal pay!” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFAWWC2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWWC2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USWNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USWNT</a> <a href="https://t.co/p4Kw7vZrbU">pic.twitter.com/p4Kw7vZrbU</a>
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It was filed in federal court last month and says the women are not paid the same as their male counterparts.

On Saturday, Rapinoe launched a scathing attack on FIFA, saying the organisation did not respect the women's game.

Rapinoe said FIFA’s decision to allow the men's Copa America final and Gold Cup showpiece to take place on the same day as the women’s final was “unbelievable”.

Rapinoe shook Infantino and Macron's hands as she received her medal.

"It’s unbelievable to know all the people who put in so much in this group," she said.

"We have all our families and friends here. It’s surreal. I don’t know how to feel right now. It’s ridiculous."

The crowd at the women's World Cup final booed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and French president Emmanuel Macron as United States fans demanded equal pay for the players after their team claimed a fourth global title by beating the Netherlands 2-0 on Sunday.

The crowd at the women's World Cup final booed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and French president Emmanuel Macron as United States fans demanded equal pay for the players after their team claimed a fourth global title by beating the Netherlands 2-0 on Sunday. Macron and Infantino, the head of soccer's world governing body, were turned on by the supporters as they approached the ceremony podium -- a sharp contrast with the hero-like reception given to player of the match Megan Rapinoe by the 57,900 crowd. Despite a recent rebound, Macron's popularity was last at 38 per cent in an Ifop poll, up 15 points since a low in December at the peak of the anti-government yellow-vest crisis. US captain Rapinoe, the leading voice for equal pay in a sport where the men are far better paid than the women, scored the opening goal with a VAR-awarded penalty in the 61st minute at the sold-out Groupama Stadium. Rose Lavelle rounded off the victory eight minutes later as the Americans added to their 1991, 1999 and 2015 world titles. After the game Rapinoe told reporters, "I think everyone is ready for this conversation and move to the next step. I think we're done with, 'Are we worth it? Should we have equal pay?'." Earlier this year, members of the US squad were named as plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the national soccer federation alleging gender discrimination. Watch: Fans booed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and French president Emmanuel Macron Fans booed Infantino and followed it up by chanting “equal pay!” #FIFAWWC2019 #USWNT pic.twitter.com/p4Kw7vZrbU — Lissa Tan (@page1of1) July 7, 2019 × It was filed in federal court last month and says the women are not paid the same as their male counterparts. On Saturday, Rapinoe launched a scathing attack on FIFA, saying the organisation did not respect the women's game. Rapinoe said FIFA’s decision to allow the men's Copa America final and Gold Cup showpiece to take place on the same day as the women’s final was “unbelievable”. Rapinoe shook Infantino and Macron's hands as she received her medal. "It’s unbelievable to know all the people who put in so much in this group," she said. "We have all our families and friends here. It’s surreal. I don’t know how to feel right now. It’s ridiculous."

Watch: FIFA boss Gianni Infantino booed at women's World Cup final ceremony

Former New Zealand captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-can-beat-india-with-an-explosive-start-says-daniel-vettori-233927">Daniel Vettori</a> praised Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah ahead of India's semi-final clash of Cricket World Cup 2019 against New Zealand on July 9. &nbsp;

The league stage of the tournament is over and top-ranked India will face fourth-placed New Zealand in the semi-final while defending champion Australia will lock horns with hosts England.&nbsp;

In his column for the International Cricket Council (ICC), Vettori wrote, "Jasprit Bumrah is basically unplayable at this stage, and against England, he was his usual economical self."&nbsp;

"But despite that, England targeted everyone else. They were aggressive against the spinners, against Hardik Pandya and they even got to Mohammed Shami at the death as well."

"I am fairly confident Shami will come back into the side to face New Zealand, he had a very good series down there at the start of the year.

"But New Zealand have got all the ingredients in place to put on a big total. I know they haven't done it yet," he added.

"They will have to be aggressive right from the outset and bowl to take wickets. If you take early wickets and can get at that Indian middle order then you have a chance," said Vettori.&nbsp;

"The key will be Trent Boult, he knows these Indian batsmen extremely well at this point. They have played each other many times in international cricket and the IPL and he, along with Kane and the coaching staff, will have plans in place."

After getting a terrific start in the tournament, New Zealand suffered three back-to-back defeats to Pakistan, Australia and England in the league stage.&nbsp;

However, Vettori believes that the three-match losing streak can evaporate quickly if New Zealand manage to perform well in the first 10 overs.&nbsp;

"They have to stay aggressive, bowl to get wickets and let Trent work his magic at the start, in the middle and at the death where his reverse swing, yorkers and now a knuckle ball as well, mark him out as one of the world's premier white-ball bowlers," he added.

Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori praised Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah ahead of India's semi-final clash of Cricket World Cup 2019 against New Zealand on July 9.

Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori praised Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah ahead of India's semi-final clash of Cricket World Cup 2019 against New Zealand on July 9. The league stage of the tournament is over and top-ranked India will face fourth-placed New Zealand in the semi-final while defending champion Australia will lock horns with hosts England. In his column for the International Cricket Council (ICC), Vettori wrote, "Jasprit Bumrah is basically unplayable at this stage, and against England, he was his usual economical self." "But despite that, England targeted everyone else. They were aggressive against the spinners, against Hardik Pandya and they even got to Mohammed Shami at the death as well." "I am fairly confident Shami will come back into the side to face New Zealand, he had a very good series down there at the start of the year. "But New Zealand have got all the ingredients in place to put on a big total. I know they haven't done it yet," he added. "They will have to be aggressive right from the outset and bowl to take wickets. If you take early wickets and can get at that Indian middle order then you have a chance," said Vettori. "The key will be Trent Boult, he knows these Indian batsmen extremely well at this point. They have played each other many times in international cricket and the IPL and he, along with Kane and the coaching staff, will have plans in place." After getting a terrific start in the tournament, New Zealand suffered three back-to-back defeats to Pakistan, Australia and England in the league stage. However, Vettori believes that the three-match losing streak can evaporate quickly if New Zealand manage to perform well in the first 10 overs. "They have to stay aggressive, bowl to get wickets and let Trent work his magic at the start, in the middle and at the death where his reverse swing, yorkers and now a knuckle ball as well, mark him out as one of the world's premier white-ball bowlers," he added.

World Cup: 'Jasprit Bumrah is basically unplayable,' says Daniel Vettori ahead of semi-final clash

As India have made their way into the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-its-india-vs-new-zealand-and-australia-vs-england-in-semis-233669">World Cup semi-finals</a>, Union Minister Of Youth Affairs &amp; Sports Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said that he is 'extremely optimistic' that India will lift the Cup for the third time.&nbsp;

"I have already sent my official greetings to the coach and Indian team. Since India is already there in the semi-finals, we hope and looking at the performance of our players, we are extremely optimistic and hopeful that India will be able to lift the World Cup once again and will bring the World Cup back home for the third time," Rijiju told reporters.&nbsp;

India atop the points table in the ongoing premier tournament and will face fourth-positioned New Zealand in the semi-final on July 9.&nbsp;

India and Pakistan came face to face in the World Cup and India thrashed its traditional rival by 89 runs on June 16.&nbsp;

Last month, CoA, which governs the BCCI, has sought permission from the government to host Pakistan for One-Day International series as part of the ICC Women's Championship.&nbsp;

When asked whether India women's team will compete against Pakistan women's team, Rijiju said, "When you are taking up bilateral matches or events with another country, then it is a matter between two countries. For that matter, we will have to consult the MEA and the PMO. But when it is a multi-lateral tournament like the World Cup, then there should be no issue. But I cannot comment on bilateral because it is a little sensitive."&nbsp;

Moreover, Rijiju also expressed his dissatisfaction with India's performance at the Olympics.&nbsp;

"I have already said that I am not satisfied with our performance at the Olympics. Our players have worked hard and some players brought medals for us. But if we compare it with the ability and power that India have, I am not satisfied with it," he said.&nbsp;

As India have made their way into the World Cup semi-finals, Union Minister Of Youth Affairs & Sports Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said that he is 'extremely optimistic' that India will lift the Cup for the third time.

As India have made their way into the World Cup semi-finals, Union Minister Of Youth Affairs & Sports Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said that he is 'extremely optimistic' that India will lift the Cup for the third time. "I have already sent my official greetings to the coach and Indian team. Since India is already there in the semi-finals, we hope and looking at the performance of our players, we are extremely optimistic and hopeful that India will be able to lift the World Cup once again and will bring the World Cup back home for the third time," Rijiju told reporters. India atop the points table in the ongoing premier tournament and will face fourth-positioned New Zealand in the semi-final on July 9. India and Pakistan came face to face in the World Cup and India thrashed its traditional rival by 89 runs on June 16. Last month, CoA, which governs the BCCI, has sought permission from the government to host Pakistan for One-Day International series as part of the ICC Women's Championship. When asked whether India women's team will compete against Pakistan women's team, Rijiju said, "When you are taking up bilateral matches or events with another country, then it is a matter between two countries. For that matter, we will have to consult the MEA and the PMO. But when it is a multi-lateral tournament like the World Cup, then there should be no issue. But I cannot comment on bilateral because it is a little sensitive." Moreover, Rijiju also expressed his dissatisfaction with India's performance at the Olympics. "I have already said that I am not satisfied with our performance at the Olympics. Our players have worked hard and some players brought medals for us. But if we compare it with the ability and power that India have, I am not satisfied with it," he said.

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju 'extremely optimistic' of India lifting World Cup

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