Birmingham: A new world champion will emerge from Sunday's England v New Zealand World Cup final clash at Lord's. Yesterday, the hosts outplayed holders Australia in the second semi-final by eight wickets at their favourite hunting ground — Edgbaston — to confirm they are firm favourites to claim the title for the first time on their final fourth appearance.
  
After New Zealand had stunned India in the first semi-final at Manchester, the pundits were expecting a repeat of the Trans-Tasman final of the 2015 World Cup. But it was just not Australia's day and they were outplayed by their traditional rivals in what can be termed as a one-sided game at a venue where England have not lost to them in any format since 2001.

Tense moments
This was also the first time Australia had lost a semi-final in the World Cup. More than the Australian bowlers, it was an umpire's decision that induced some tense moments for England. Kumar Dharmasena gave a rampaging Jason Roy (85) caught behind down the leg side when he made no contact with the ball.