The 2019 World Cup Final: How the Boundary Count Changed Cricket's Rules
The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Final between England and New Zealand ended in the most extraordinary circumstances in cricket history — a tied match, tied Super Over, and England winning on boundary count. The outcome changed cricket's tiebreaker rules forever.
The 2019 Cricket World Cup Final at Lord's on 14 July was the most extraordinary match in one-day cricket history. England and New Zealand tied at 241 each after 50 overs. A Super Over — one over per side in which each team bats — also tied at 15 runs each. England were then declared winners because they had hit more boundaries across the entire match: 26 to New Zealand's 17. Cricket's fans, players, and administrators immediately questioned whether this was an appropriate way to determine a World Cup winner.
The Match Itself
England chased 242 and reached 241 for 8 — level but one short. In the final over, an overthrow off a deflected throw from the field gave England an extra 4 runs — the ball hit Ben Stokes's bat and ran to the boundary. The legitimacy of this overthrow was immediately disputed: rules were later clarified that a signal for dead ball should have been given as Stokes and his partner had not completed the initial run. But the decision stood.
New Zealand's Reaction
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson displayed extraordinary grace in defeat — a display of sportsmanship that drew more praise than England's celebrations. Williamson said the method of deciding the tournament was 'a tough way to end' but accepted the result. Stokes openly sympathised with New Zealand in his post-match interview. The match ended in an atmosphere of emotional complexity that few sporting events produce.
The Rule Change
The ICC moved quickly to change the tiebreaker rules after 2019. From 2020 onward, if a Super Over ties in a knockout match, a further Super Over is played — and this continues until one side scores more. The boundary count method was abolished. The 2019 final was the first and last match to use this rule to determine a World Cup winner.
Frequently asked questions
Why did England win the 2019 World Cup Final?
After 50 overs and a Super Over both finished level, England won on boundary count — they had hit more boundaries across the entire match (26 to New Zealand's 17). The boundary count rule was abolished after 2019.
What happened with the overthrow in the 2019 World Cup Final?
A throw from the outfield deflected off Ben Stokes's bat and ran to the boundary, giving England 6 runs (2 for the completed run plus 4 overthrows). Later analysis suggested a dead ball signal may have been appropriate, but the decision stood.
How are tied knockout matches decided now?
Further Super Overs are played until one team scores more. The boundary count method used in 2019 was abandoned — the match outcome now continues in Super Over rounds until there is a definitive winner.