World Cup 2019 Final, England vs New Zealand: 3 key features to watch out for

The 2019 Cricket World Cup has finally reached its summit clash stage as hosts England and New Zealand will square off in the final, with a new champion certain to be throned at the end of this game at Lord's, London on 14th July.

In the lead up to the finals, India took on New Zealand in the first of the two semi-finals, having topped the points table with seven wins and just the one loss from nine games. In a game which was affected by rain, New Zealand put up an average score of 239 on the board before the Black Caps' bowlers helped their team to an 18-run victory.

In the second semi-final between defending champions Australia and hosts England, it was one-way traffic with the English bowlers dominating Australia. Chasing a decent total of 224 runs, Jason Roy made a mockery of the total, scoring a 65-ball 85 that saw England entering a World Cup final for the first time since 1992.

With both New Zealand and England looking in some solid form ahead of the final, the encounter is certain to give rise to some intense action. Here are a few key features to watch out for.

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#3 England's opening partnership

Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow- The force behind England's dominance

It is pretty obvious that England look a different unit and wear an ominous look when Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow open the innings. The duo go about their business in fine fashion, decimating oppositions as they compliment each other shot for shot.

In the 31 occasions that they have batted together, they have amassed 2066 runs at an astounding average of 67.70, the most for any opening combination with more than 1000 partnership runs in ODI cricket.

A Lot of talk has been circling around England's transformation in their batting style and approach post their disastrous campaign in the 2015 World Cup. This can be easily summed up by looking at the strike-rates of their openers in recent times.

Jason Roy has a strike rate of 107.05 in 79 innings and Jonny Bairstow has a strike rate of 110.97 in 44 innings. It's clear that their role in the side is to dominate and decimate oppositions at the top. It is this attitude that has helped England achieve a lot of success in the past four years as an ODI unit.

It has to be seen if these two batsmen can replicate their brilliance in the semi-finals, with an in-form pace bowling unit coming against them. Roy, in particular has looked in scintillating touch in the recent games and if he can stitch yet another partnership with Bairstow, New Zealand could be in a spot of bother.

#2 Will the trend from the past two World Cups continue?

Can England, the hosts continue the trend from the past two World Cups?

The last two World Cups saw the co-hosts win the marquee tournament. In 2011, India were one of the co-hosts along with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. In Mumbai, at the famous Wankhede stadium, India went on the lift the coveted trophy in front of their home fans.

In 2015, the two host nations Australia and New Zealand took on each other in the finals at the MCG in a game where the Kiwis were blown away by Australia. Going by this trend, it would not be a surprise if England go on to win the title, with a strong squad at their disposal.

However, not many gave New Zealand a chance to defeat India, the pre-tournament favorites and enter the finals. Hence, England would definitely be aware of the threat New Zealand bring to the table and will be keen to put up a positive show in front of their home fans.

#1 The World Cup is set to welcome a brand new champion

England and New Zealand face-off in the biggest game of the tournament

A cricket World Cup comes by once in four years. It is a showcase event that cannot be compared to any other big ICC tournament or bilateral series and is the most coveted trophy in ODI cricket.

Having last featured in a World Cup final in 1992, England will be hoping to put across a complete performance that can give them a realistic chance of clinching their first ever World Cup title.

New Zealand, on the other hand, have been quiet achievers in the World Cup.They made it to the finals last time as well but came up short and will be gunning to get across the line on this occasion.

On paper, hosts England seem clear favorites to claim a win in the finals. They appear a different side with a powerful batting unit backed by a potent bowling unit and playing in front of home fans is certain to give them extra impetus to put their best foot forward.

With a new champion set to be crowned on July 14th, either of England or New Zealand will be looking to open a brand new chapter in their history books.