New Zealand beat Australia by one goal in final | Daily News

New Zealand beat Australia by one goal in final

New Zealand stunned holders and 11-time champions Australia to win the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool.

The final was tense throughout and came down to the dying seconds and just one goal, as the Kiwis prevailed 52-51.

It was the Silver Ferns' fifth world title but their first since 2003 as they finally ended the Diamonds' dominance.

England clinched bronze with a 58-42 victory over South Africa in their play-off match earlier on Sunday.

The Roses' win was routine compared with the drama which followed between the Trans-Tasman rivals who were competing against each other for the sixth consecutive World Cup final.

In a final that was evenly poised at half-time, New Zealand came out firing in the third quarter as they powered into a seven-goal lead with the 8,000-strong crowd behind them.

Australia reached the final unbeaten, defeating the Silver Ferns in their last group game by a single goal, and they brought the score back to that margin in the fourth quarter as Liverpool prepared for a spectacular finish.

But then they wilted under the pressure. With three minutes remaining, a mistake between the usually reliable shooter Caitlin Bassett and wing attack Kelsey Browne left the Diamonds flustered and New Zealand secured the turnover.

The Silver Ferns held their nerve and ran the clock down to snatch the trophy from their long-time rivals.


Add new comment