Netball World Cup 2019: Silver Ferns Create history

Monday, 22 July 2019 01:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Hishan Welmilla

It was an unforgettable moment for the Silver Ferns as they made history by beating the defending champions to take the Netball World Cup 2019 in Liverpool.

The first quarter finished with both teams scoring 10 goals each, but the changeover for New Zealand happened from the second quarter. When the half time whistle blew New Zealand were in front of Australia for the first time with a three-goal lead (28-25).

Australia bounced back to reduce the margin, helped by many mistakes made by the goal shooter of New Zealand, who had better opportunities to keep the Silver Ferns score ticking. The tension and pressure built up for the Diamonds as the third quarter also finished keeping the Silver Ferns in front (41/37).

Both teams played all-out in the final quarter in front of a full-capacity crowd at M&S Bank Arana, with more support for the ladies in black. Finally, the Silver Ferns ended the Diamonds’ winning streak by just a one-goal margin (52-51) and were crowned the new World Champions for the second time in the 15-year-old history of the Netball World Cup.