Skipper Ben Stokes hailed Ben Stokes for another big knock for the team in a crucial situation which helped England end their five-match losing streak with a clinical 160-run win over the Netherlands in Pune. England’s title defense was over in the last match but they still have to look for a win in the remaining match to seal a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The dominant win over Netherlands kept them in the qualification hunt for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Top-8 in the World Cup qualify for the ICC event in Pakistan.
Follow all the action from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 including the World Cup schedule, World Cup 2023 results, and ICC Cricket World Cup points table. Players are vying to top the World Cup 2023 Most Runs and World Cup 2023 Most Wickets charts.
England were in trouble at 192-6 after yet another batting collapse before Ben Stokes stood tall once again and played an incredible 108-run knock which took them to 339-9 in 50 overs.
“Absolutely desperate for the win. Malan got us off to a flier. Partnership between (Ben) Stokes and (Chris) Woakes was fantastic. Anytime you need someone to stand up, he (Stokes) seems to be the guy to do that,” said Buttler after England posted 339 for nine with their batting finally clicking.
Woakes was good with new ball again before spinners Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali shared three wickets each. Woakes also scored 51 off 45 balls.
He shared a 119-run stand for the seventh wicket with Stokes which put England back on the track.
Buttler said it was a good total on the pitch and suggested that England failed to take advantage of situations in the previous matches.
“Smart cricket between him and Woakes. Thought it was a good score. But everyone who batted said it was a good pitch. The toss – you got to play good cricket as well. Can look back and say might’ve done different but you have to play good cricket too,” he added.
He further heaped praise on Woakes bowling who put pressure on the Dutch batters with his tight bowling but got only one wicket.
“H’s a class cricketer (Woakes), been a brilliant performer for us. It was high-class swing bowling, deserved more than one wicket that he got,” he added.
England will next face Pakistan which will be their last match of the tournament but it is going to be crucial for them to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
“Huge game (Pakistan). At the end of a disappointing tournament it means a lot,” he concluded.
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