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New Zealand will relish underdog tag vs England in World Cup final, says Steve Waugh

"That is the way they (New Zealand) play their best cricket - underdogs and expecting people to underestimate them."

Trent Boult, New Zealand, Cricket World Cup semi-final vs India at Old Trafford
Image: New Zealand are bidding to win their first ever World Cup

Steve Waugh has warned England not to underestimate New Zealand on Sunday, who will relish being underdogs in the World Cup final at Lord's.

Hosts England saw off Australia in emphatic fashion on Thursday to reach their first World Cup final since 1992.

They meet New Zealand, another country yet to lift the trophy, on Sunday and go into the clash as heavy favourites.

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Eoin Morgan's side thrashed their final opponents by 119 runs in their pool-stage match at Chester-le-Street but Waugh - who captained Australia to success in the 1999 final at Lord's - believes it will be different when the sides meet for a second time with the trophy at stake.

Asked if England could win if they underestimate the challenge before them, the former World Cup-winning captain replied: "Definitely not.

"New Zealand will want England to do that, that is the way they play their best cricket - underdogs and expecting people to underestimate them.

Sky shares final with Channel 4
Sky shares final with Channel 4

Sky will partner with Channel 4 to make the Cricket World Cup available for the whole of the UK to watch.

"But they have got a quality attack New Zealand and they can knock you over, they have got all-round bowlers and are a very good fielding side, that is the strength of New Zealand, they don't miss much in the field.

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"So if England slip up and give them opportunities they will take them, so England will have to bring their A-game to win this World Cup final, they can't cruise along and expect to win it - they have got to play good cricket."

England's win over New Zealand followed victory over India as the hosts won their final two pool games to secure qualification for the semi-finals.

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Highlights from Edgbaston as England hammered Australia to reach Sunday's Cricket World Cup final at Lord's

But they saved their best for Edgbaston, dismantling Australia to win by eight wickets with Waugh - who also won the World Cup in 1987 with victory over England - certain England can take more from that win than the earlier success over New Zealand.

"Well of course," he replied when asked if England will be buoyed by their impressive win on Thursday.

"They played pretty much the perfect game of one-day cricket in a big occasion, a semi-final against Australia when there was a lot of pressure so that will give them a lot of confidence going into Sunday no doubt.

"Australia beat England in their pool match and pretty comprehensively so, it doesn't really matter.

Joe Root and Eoin Morgan
Image: Joe Root and Eoin Morgan finished the job for England against Australia

"It is a one-off game, a World Cup final, neither side have won the competition before so there is a little extra incentive for both countries.

"It is about enjoying the experience and relaxing, it is Lord's, the home of cricket and you may never play a game as big as this in the rest of your career so it is about concentrating but at the same time relaxing and focusing on your skills."

Watch the World Cup final between New Zealand and England live on Sky Sports Cricket World Cup and Main Event from 9am on Sunday.

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