Stokes’ record-breaking 182 runs help England defeat New Zealand by 181 runs.
“Stokes blazes a trail with an England-record 182 runs, leading to a resounding 181-run triumph over New Zealand. Malan contributes significantly with a 96-run knock, establishing a 199-run partnership for the third wicket. Subsequently, Woakes and Livingstone consolidate the victory.” Malan scores 96 and adds 199 for the third wicket before Woakes and Livingstone complete the victory.
In the contest between England and New Zealand, the former amassed 368 runs, with Stohttps://www.espncricinfo.com/story
kes spearheading the charge with a remarkable 182 runs. Malan, not to be overshadowed, showcased his prowess with a 96-run innings. New Zealand, in response, could only muster 187 runs, succumbing to England’s dominance by a margin of 181 runs.
Any lingering doubts regarding Ben Stokes’ suitability for 50-over cricket following his 14-month hiatus from ODIs were swiftly dispelled at the KIa Oval. Stokes smashed his fourth century in this format, accomplishing the feat in a mere 76 deliveries.
Yet, he didn’t stop there; he went on to set a new English record by amassing an astonishing 182 runs from 124 balls, setting the stage for an emphatic triumph over New Zealand.
Stokes took center stage during the third over when England found themselves in a precarious position at 13 for 2, grappling with Trent Boult’s potent new ball deliveries. However, a pivotal partnership worth 199 runs in 165 balls alongside Dawid Malan altered the course of the game.
Stokes unleashed a ferocious assault on Lockie Ferguson, plundering an impressive 56 runs from the 30 balls he faced from the Kiwi pacer. In total, Ferguson conceded 80 runs in his nine overs.
Stokes embarked on his innings with unbridled aggression, charging down the pitch and maneuvering outside the leg stump to create opportunities to target the off side. At the outset, he had amassed 13 runs from 19 deliveries, but upon Ferguson’s introduction to the attack, Stokes seized the initiative, striking three boundaries in four balls – one via a fortuitous leading edge – during Ferguson’s second over.
This surge provided the impetus Stokes needed, and from that point onward, he maintained a tempo reminiscent of his performances during the recent Ashes series. He combined crafty singles with calculated, dismissive swipes that sent the ball soaring into the stands.
The standout shot, a skip down the track followed by a powerful swing off Glenn Phillips’ delivery, resulted in the ball being caught in the second tier of the Pavilion.
As he grappled with a nagging knee injury, Stokes opted for a more stationary approach, relying on his robust hitting abilities. He dispatched a staggering nine sixes, including six in his final 31 deliveries. His quest for a tenth six, unfortunately, ended when he was caught at square leg. Nevertheless, the capacity crowd rose to applaud the hero of England’s 2019 World Cup triumph, infused with renewed optimism that he could inspire yet another successful title defense in India.
Stokes reflected on his performance, saying, “It’s gratifying to return after an extended absence and make a significant contribution to our victory today. Personally, it was a beneficial experience, allowing me to reacquaint myself with the nuances of 50-over cricket. Despite losing a few wickets quickly,
I was determined to apply pressure. There were instances when I had to temper my aggression, considering there were still 23-24 overs remaining… there’s more time than you might initially think.”
Stokes spent the early stages of New Zealand’s innings off the field, but he assured that his knee was “progressing positively.” He elaborated, “I simply required a bit of treatment. Test matches afford longer breaks, whereas one-day games offer no such respite. It’s a distinct challenge, but these initial three games have been satisfying.”
New Zealand’s aspirations of chasing down 369 runs were swiftly reduced to a mere exercise in futility. Chris Woakes delivered a remarkable eight-over spell from the Pavilion End, concluding with impressive figures of 3 for 31. His performance effectively extinguished New Zealand’s hopes. Glenn Phillips, the top-scorer with a commendable 72 runs, was the sole batsman to exceed 30 runs as New Zealand crumbled to a paltry 187 runs.
While Ben Stokes stole the limelight, this encounter may have clarified England’s
World Cup squad composition. With Jason Roy sidelined for a third consecutive ODI due to recurring back spasms,
Dawid Malan returned from paternity leave and seized his opportunity. His innings of 96 runs from 95 balls marked his second half-century of the series and the ninth instance of him crossing the 50-run mark in ODIs out of 20 appearances.
Malan appeared to be on the fringe of selection when England initially announced their provisional 15-man squad a month ago. After experiencing a hiatus from cricket, including being omitted from the Hundred and a lukewarm T20I series, Malan’s position seemed precarious. However, with Harry
In conclusion, the clash at the KIa Oval provided a masterclass in the art of cricket, with England delivering a resounding victory over New Zealand. Ben Stokes, with his record-breaking 182 runs, emerged as the undeniable hero of the day. His aggressive yet calculated approach to batting showcased his prowess and determination to make a significant impact on his return to 50-over cricket.
Dawid Malan’s impressive 96-run innings further solidified his place in the team, proving that he can be a dependable asset in England’s World Cup campaign. With Jason Roy’s recurring injury concerns, Malan’s role in the squad appears more vital than ever.
Chris Woakes’ stellar bowling performance, claiming three crucial wickets, and the overall team effort in the field ensured that New Zealand’s pursuit of a daunting 369-run target quickly fizzled out. England’s dominant display not only secured a convincing victory but also hinted at a squad composition that might serve them well in the upcoming World Cup.
As we look ahead to the challenges and excitement of the World Cup in India, Ben Stokes’ remarkable innings and England’s collective performance have instilled confidence and excitement among fans. The stage is set, and with the right blend of talent and determination, England is poised for a successful title defense.