Stokes wins England another World Cup  

Rex Clementine
in Melbourne

Only a fortnight ago England were humbled here at the MCG by Ireland and they were facing elimination from the tournament. However, a narrow win over Sri Lanka in their last Super 12 game gave them a sniff and Jos Buttler’s side didn’t look back from thereon going onto win their second T-20 World Cup last night at MCG in front of 80,462 fans.All-rounder Ben Stokes came up with a special effort to put his side over the line after being set a target of 138 on a two paced wicket. His unbeaten 52 off 49 balls guided England to victory with five wickets in hand and six deliveries to spare.

Although the target looked insignificant, England didn’t have things under control as Pakistan’s quicks were on the money picking up wickets at regular intervals. However, they could not breach the defences of Stokes.

The New Zealand born star got hit on his elbow and was in excruciating pain, but there was no stopping him. It was not just all bashing by Stokes, who hit only five fours and one six during his knock. But smashing wasn’t needed chasing a modest target and all that needed was a cool head and a controlled knock. Who better to provide that than Stokes. He was also England’s hero when they won a first ever 50 over World Cup in 2019.

Pakistan still could have got over the line but Shaheen Afridi limped off the field holding his knee after sending just one ball in his third over and that proved to be the turning point in the game. Off-spin of  Iftikhar Ahmed was called up to replace him and Stokes sensed an opportunity.That brought the equation down to 28 runs in 24 balls and it was game over from thereon for Pakistan.

Babar Azam’s side didn’t have much luck in the game either. The quicks went pass the bat several times without getting the outside edge while several direct hits were narrowly missed.

Pakistan were perhaps 15 runs short. Most of their top order batsmen got starts but none managed to score a half-century. Shan Masood top scored with 38 off 28 balls with two fours and one six. Sam Curran finished with three wickets.There were a few worries as it was expected to rain the whole day in Melbourne. But miraculously it cleared for the game and there was not a single drop of rain.