England beat Pakistan by 5 wickets to lift their second T20 World Cup trophy
Who else? It’s him and him again.
Ben Stokes stands tall as England sets to lift another ICC tournament. He has now totally atoned for his 2016 World T20 final defeat by winning and contributing significantly to England’s world cup and world T20 titles. Arise, Sir Ben Stokes?
England joins the West Indies as the only team to have won two ICC T20 championships. A well-rounded performance against Babar Azam’s Pakistan resulted in victory at the G.
Well begun is half done.
Jos won the toss once more and chose to field first. He was genuinely brilliant in the manner he marshaled his forces throughout the tournament. He has demonstrated that a side with more all-rounders has more choices and is more likely to win any game of cricket.
More bowlers were utilized as planned, and Pakistan did not get off to a flying start. They were behind the par score at the G at the end of the powerplay, with Rizwan warming the bench after being dismissed by Sam Curran. They were at 39 for the loss of a wicket when Harris was sent back overs later, due to Adil’s incredible bowling performance.
They were reeling at 85 for four after a few quiet overs when they were abruptly reduced to 129 for seven. Sam Curran has been a revelation this season, finishing with a four-fer and being awarded series player of the year. They finished on 137 in 20 overs, with Jordan and Rashid both taking two wickets.
A Brisk start topped by sheer class.
Skipper Jos and Alex were both determined to conclude the game in the first few overs, but only Jos was able to take the assault to the bowlers. In the first overs, Shaheen’s magnificent delivery knocked Alex Hales out. However, Salt and Buttler did not give in to the pressure and finished the mandatory powerplay with a score of 49. Despite being sent back in successive overs, the partnership established the groundwork for the veteran stokes and middle order.
Harry and Ben stitched a 39-run combination, but Harry held one onto Shaheen at long off, forcing the fielder to injure his own leg. That wicket should have shifted the game in Pakistan’s favour, but Shaheen Shah’s faulty landing prevented him from bowling his remaining overs.
He was reinstated but could only bowl one delivery, which proved pivotal. Ben’s two powerful hits pulled the game away from Pakistan when Iftikhar was brought in.
Stokes ultimately struck the winning runs, and England now holds their second T20 World Championship trophy after failing to win one in 2016.
Pakistan lose another final
Today proved once again that a professionally run outlet will always triumph over a team that relies on raw skill and luck. England educated Pakistan, and now it’s back to Karachi for Babar and company.
Champions of the world
The English squad won an international event just before the FIFA World Cup. Does this mean….? We’ll find out soon.
