Match number 40 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 saw the only 2 European nations England and Netherlands go head to head against each other with somehow similar situations.
The Dutch had a chance of creating a buzz yet again but Ben Stokes’ 1st innings excellence coupled with a hat-trick of wickets by both Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali, saw the reigning champions produce a performance like a Defending champion should perform.
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Finally, something for England to smile about in World Cup 2023. Ben Stokes smashes 108 off 84 balls!#BenStokes pic.twitter.com/qU80UHj1Sz— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) November 8, 2023
There were a lot of positives for England in the European clash, giving them confidence and belief, much needed for their final World cup 2023 game against Pakistan. Somehow it was a mixed performance by England and it was clear today that without Ben Stokes, England were as good as Netherlands and deserved to remain at the bottom.
Though, English fans would rather love to enjoy this victory additionally because as it stands they are going to feature for the ICC Champions trophy in 2 years time. England’s 160-run victory sky rocketed them from bottom to 7th, above Bangladesh, Sri-Lanka and Netherlands.
Jos Buttler’s decision to bat first after winning the toss was the best decision he took through out the tournament. It was in fact much better than his shot selection which has seen him produce numbers not even worth mentioning.
Johnny Bairstow left Dawid Malan at the crease after 48 runs. Joe Root after scoring 28 went back to the pavilion and that was just the start of their collapse. Ben Stokes partnered with Malan but the left hander was the 3rd to depart after scoring 87.
Then Harry Brook, Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali came in and went out with a snap with England hanging on the edge at 192/6. It took a brave cameo by Chris Woakes (51 off 45) that helped Ben Stokes score his maiden World cup century.
An emphatic win in Pune breaks the streak of five straight #CWC23 losses for England 👌#ENGvNED 📝: https://t.co/e33ymYVr2l pic.twitter.com/blYgaOafsp
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) November 8, 2023
The duo helped England set up 340 as the target. Netherlands chase wasn’t anything unusual as they played like they always do. They built short period partnerships which were ineffective with Teja Nidamanuru. Chris Woakes and David Willey took 1 & 2 wickets and spinning duo Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali picked 3 wickets each.
Ben Stokes was the Man of the match and his performance will definitely be key for England as they look to finish ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 positively.
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