Whenever England has found itself under the cosh in the big match, Ben Stokes has put his hand up. Be it the famous Headingley Test or the 2019 World Cup final, Stokes has stood firm for the Three Lions. The all-rounder once again delivered on the big stage in the big final in front of the packed MCG to help his team beat Pakistan in the T20 World Cup final by five wickets.
Stokes scored an unbeaten knock of 52 runs off 49 balls to take England home in the run-chase of 138 runs. The left-hander came to the middle when the Jos Buttler-led team lost two early wickets and the Pakistan bowlers had their tail up.
However, Stokes was able to hold one end up even if he could not score at a brisk pace. Stokes was able to accelerate toward the end of the innings and England’s dugout felt comfortable as long as he was at the crease. The left-hander scored a crucial boundary and a six in the 16th over against Iftikhar Ahmed and it got the rising required run rate under check.
Jos Buttler also heaped praise on Adil Rashid, who returned with impressive figures of 2-22 in his quota of four overs. Rashid bowled a wicket-maiden and Buttler feels it was a crucial point in the game.
Jos Buttler said in the post-match presentation, “It is (the icing on the cake). To win the T20 World Cup now, immensely proud of everyone here. It has been a long journey and few changes but we are reaping the rewards of how we have played in the last few years. It’s been a fantastic tournament. We went to Pakistan before coming here, which was a valuable time for the group and this felt a long way after the Ireland match but the character we showed from thereon in must-win games is amazing. He (Matty Motts) has fitted in really well. We have got a few Australians in the coaching staff with us in this tournament and he has led the coaching staff really well, giving the players great freedom. Huge swing in the game, and that was fantastic over from Adil. He has been outstanding for us in the last three games, just the guy who makes things happen, and his performance was outstanding. When you hit the right length there was a little bit of movement and they were obviously bowling at a good pace, not easy at all. We managed to get away to a start which controlled the run rate and we bat deep as well.”
Speaking on Ben Stokes’ performance, Buttler said, “And that man again, Ben Stokes is there at the end. He is the ultimate competitor in anything he does and has the experience to bank on as well. He timed it perfectly, the impetus that he and Moeen Ali had just took it away from Pakistan.”
Apart from scoring a match-winning knock of 52 runs, Stokes also scalped the crucial wicket of Iftikhar Ahmed and conceded 32 runs in his quota of four overs.
