2019 Cricket World Cup — England's Dramatic Win on Boundary Count Explained

The Tournament That Had Everything

The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup was held in England and Wales from May to July. The round-robin format saw all 10 teams play each other, with the top four advancing to semi-finals. India, Australia, England, and New Zealand qualified. Pakistan's race to qualify on the final day created enormous drama, but they finished fifth. The tournament was notable for high scoring conditions, making every match a battle of batters.

The Most Dramatic Final in Cricket History

The final at Lord's on July 14 between England and New Zealand is universally acknowledged as one of the greatest sporting events ever played. England were set 242 to win but fell to 221/10 with Ben Stokes making 84*. The match tied. In the Super Over, England scored 15, New Zealand also made 15. The match was decided on boundary count — England hit 26 fours and sixes to New Zealand's 17. England won their first World Cup.

Stokes's Overthrow — The Controversial Six

With England needing 9 from 3 balls in regular play, Ben Stokes dived for a run and the ball hit his outstretched bat and deflected to the boundary for an accidental four (ruled six at the time — later confirmed as four plus two runs). This gave England 6 runs off one delivery. The 'overthrow six' has been debated ever since, with questions around whether the umpires applied the Law correctly. Either way, it kept England in the match.