The 2019 Cricket World Cup final was a nail-biting match until the very end and though New Zealand lost on a technicality, the Black Caps have won the hearts of many.
The Black Caps are being praised on social media by everyone from the Queen to cricket fans in front of TVs all over the world. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag admired the Kiwis' sportsmanship: "New Zealand had many fans in India and today they have won many more, by their calmness and spirit.
Kane Williamson, smiling after the tie. Beautiful to see."
New Zealand had many fans in India and today they have won many more, by their calmness and spirit.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 14, 2019
Kane Williamson , smiling after the tie. Beautiful to see #CWC19Final pic.twitter.com/tW9cecqAGh
Other fans around the world acknowledged that New Zealand had emerged as champions.
#ENGvsNZ #CWC19Final Congratulations to England.... But NEW ZEALAND is my CHAMPION!!!! What an amazing nation and what a brilliant team.... ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6klm6qdyOb
— @ChZeeshanrafiq (@ChZeeshanrafiq6) July 14, 2019
They lost bt they won our heart❤️#WC2019 #ENGvsNZ pic.twitter.com/RlPBA6Dmgh
— Hironmoy Ray (@RayHironmoy) July 14, 2019
#CWC19Final well played @BLACKCAPS Hard luck pic.twitter.com/qdOA7dDxly
— Manish Singh (@Manishgolu9496) July 14, 2019
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: "I feel nothing but pride in Kane [Williamson] and the team.
"It was an outstanding tournament but that final match will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most memorable games. And it was played by Black Caps who are just outstanding sportsmen, plain and simple. They absolutely deserve our admiration. They certainly have mine."
The Queen congratulated the hosts on their victory, saying it was a thrilling victory.
A message from Her Majesty The Queen:
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 14, 2019
“Prince Philip and I send our warmest congratulations to the England Men’s Cricket team after such a thrilling victory in today’s World Cup Final.” (1/2) #CricketWorldCup pic.twitter.com/FEKsFFe40s
However, she also tweeted a message to the Black Caps, praising them for competing so admirably in the final and throughout the tournament.
The Queen: “I also extend my commiserations to the runners-up New Zealand, who competed so admirably in today’s contest and throughout the tournament.” (2/2) #CricketWorldCup
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 14, 2019
The TV cameras caught the moment Kane Williamson was told he was the Player of the Tournament, and his reaction furthered endeared him to fans.
Kane Williamson getting told he’s the player of the tournament cracks me up! “ME?!” pic.twitter.com/yuF79sfUkE
— DK not a DJ (@Davidkane11) July 14, 2019
Many more spoke of the qualities they admired in Williamson.
Never sledges opposition, never shouts at own players, never fights with umpires, never gives up. The most respected captain of WC
— Ch Xee F (@Chaudhry_Xee) July 14, 2019
Really feel sad for Kane Williamson
!! Well Played Sir !!#CWC19Final pic.twitter.com/XLKxZ41ftC
Kane Williamson!
— Md. Hasibul Amin (@mdhasibulamin) July 14, 2019
Remember the name. He has just lost a World Cup final and He is smiling! What an humble person he is!
What a sportsmanship has been shown by him!
Such a class act ❤❤❤
Hats off man. You deserve better than this.#CWC19Final #KaneWilliamson ❤❤#ENGvsNZ pic.twitter.com/mEqSuNTXTY
Others drew comparisons between Williamson and tennis great Roger Federer, who also lost in heartbreaking fashion at the Wimbledon Championship this morning.
These guys won millions of heart today. #ENGvsNZ #CWC19Final #KaneWilliamson #RogerFederer #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/B6c6uWp85r
— SWARIKA ARORA (@AroraSwarika) July 14, 2019
Two breathtaking matches. Two hard-fought victories. One amazing day for sports.
— The Nerve Center (@nerveindusnews) July 14, 2019
Excuse us while we sob in a corner.#CWC19Final #ENGvsNZ #SuperOver #WimbledonFinal pic.twitter.com/BmVTZtfjBj
It was not lost on Kiwi fans that English batsman, Ben Stokes, who crucially deflected a ball to the boundary, was born in New Zealand.
New Zealand fans trying to process that Ben Stokes is a Kiwi but just won the World Cup for England #CWC19 #ENGvsNZ pic.twitter.com/vWqxPz4tYn
— Maxine (@Maxim1llion) July 14, 2019
Others lamented and questioned the rules that awarded England with the victory.
Don't understand how the game of such proportions, the #CWC19Final, is finally decided on who scored the most boundaries. A ridiculous rule @ICC. Should have been a tie. I want to congratulate both @BLACKCAPS & @englandcricket on playing out a nail biting Final. Both winners imo.
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 14, 2019
Still, England's win did produce these great reactions:
The amazing moment England won the #CWC19Final
— MegaBet (@MegaBet) July 14, 2019
- @TheCricketerMag pic.twitter.com/iOBGEsP32a
My grandfathers reaction to the final result #CWC19Final #CricketWorldCupFinal @bbcsport pic.twitter.com/7PwCfQZxoO
— Sam Hutchinson (@SamHutc51798799) July 14, 2019
