All the anticipation, all the build-up, all the replays of the 2019 final, the World Cup started, and England were dealt a crushing nine-wicket defeat at the hands of New Zealand. This was a game that was definitely not decided by the ‘barest of margins’.
Jos Buttler was left to admit that his England side had been ‘completely outplayed’, but the sheer dominance of New Zealand against the defending champions was ruthless and significant.