England’s hitters, once again spearheaded by Ben Stokes, overcame mid-innings nerves to earn their first T20 World Cup victory since 2010.
Ben Stokes scored another match-winning innings to lead England to victory over Pakistan in the final of the T20 World Cup.
England won by five wickets despite losing Alex Hales early to an unplayable delivery from Shaheen Afridi while chasing 138.
Ben Stokes, though, was once again England’s savior, striking an undefeated fifty with the bat to calm tensions and seal the victory.
Pakistan’s hearts were broken as Stokes hit a flurry of late boundaries, including a six, to throw the game up in Melbourne.
Sam Curran was the most effective of England’s bowlers, giving only 12 runs and claiming three wickets. Adil Rashid and Chris Jordan each contributed two wickets, while Stokes took one.
Only Shan Masood, with 38, and captain Babar Azam, with 32, contributed significantly to Pakistan’s score.
England’s most recent T20 World Cup victory occurred in the Caribbean. They are also the reigning one-day international champions, having won the 2019 final at Lord’s.
England reached this year’s final after suffering a humiliating loss to Ireland in a rain-affected match in the earlier rounds.
The victory is a triumph for Jos Buttler, who only took over as captain this summer after Eoin Morgan.
Stokes asserts that bowlers won the game.
“To be able to win the T20 World Cup makes me incredibly happy for everyone here,” said Buttler. We are reaping the benefits of a long journey with a few tweaks throughout the years.
This has been an incredible event
“After the Ireland game, this seemed a long way off, but the character we displayed in subsequent must-win games has been remarkable.”
“In finals, especially when pursuing, you forget all the prior effort,” remarked Stokes.
I believed that the way Sam Curran and Adil Rashid bowled throughout our entire innings was what won us the game.
“That was a tricky pitch; you never felt in control of it, and there was some bounce. To restrict them to 137, the bowlers deserve a great deal of credit.”
Adil Rashid, a spinner, stated, “It feels nice. I am extremely pleased with the lads. It demonstrates how things can shift from where we were earlier in the tournament to where we are now because we had faith and persevered. Everyone was anxious, but as long as Stokes, Moeen, and Liam Livingstone came to bat, we had the firepower to win.
“It is difficult to describe. This moment will be cherished for the rest of our lives.”
Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones tweeted, “Congratulations to the England cricket squad! A superb World Cup victory!”
