England’s batters, led once again by Ben Stokes, overcome mid-innings jitters to claim their first T20 World Cup win since 2010.
Sunday 13 November 2022 15:55, UK
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England have beaten Pakistan in the T20 World Cup final after a superb bowling performance set up Ben Stokes for another match-winning innings.
Chasing 138, England got home by five wickets despite losing Alex Hales early to an unplayable delivery by Shaheen Afridi.
But Ben Stokes was once again England’s hero, scoring an unbeaten half century with the bat to calm nerves and secure victory.
The match in Melbourne looked set for a tight finish until Stokes hit a flurry of late boundaries, including a six, to break Pakistan’s hearts.
Left-arm seamer Sam Curran was the pick of England’s bowlers, conceding just 12 runs and taking three wickets. Adil Rashid and Chris Jordan chipped in with two wickets each, with Stokes picking up one.
Only Shan Masood, with 38 and captain Babar Azam, on 32, were able to make any meaningful contribution to Pakistan’s score.
England last T20 World Cup win was in the Caribbean. They are also the current one-day international champions, which they won at Lord’s in the famous final of 2019.
England reached this year’s final despite a humiliating defeat in a rain-affected match against Ireland in the earlier rounds.
The win is a triumph for Jos Buttler, who took over the captaincy from Eoin Morgan only this summer.
Stokes says bowlers won the game
Buttler said: “To be able to win the T20 World Cup, I’m just immensely proud of everyone here. It’s been a long journey with a few changes over the years and we’re reaping the rewards.
“It has been a fantastic tournament.
“This felt a long way off after the Ireland game but the character we showed after that in must-win games has been amazing.”
Stokes said: “In finals, especially chasing, you forget all the hard work before that.
“I thought the way we bowled for our whole innings – Sam Curran and Adil Rashid – was what won us the game.
“That was a tricky wicket, it was one you never felt you were in on and there was a bit of bounce. To restrict them to 137, the bowlers have to take a lot of credit for that.”
Spinner Adil Rashid said: “It feels good. I’m so proud of the boys. It shows from the position we were in earlier in the tournament how things can change and we had the belief and we’ve gone all the way. Everyone was nervous but as long as we had Stokes, Moeen and Liam Livingstone to come, we had the firepower to get us over the line.
“It is hard to describe. We will cherish this moment for the rest of our lives.”
Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger tweeted: “Congratulations to the England cricket team! A great World Cup win!”
