KOLKATA: Ben Stokes played an impressive 84-run innings in what is likely his final one-day international (ODI), contributing to England’s total of 337-9 against Pakistan in the ICC World Cup match on Saturday.
Stokes, who had a stroke of luck after being dropped on 10 by Shaheen Shah Afridi off his own bowling, played a dynamic 76-ball innings. Joe Root also made a valuable contribution with a 72-ball 60 after England won the toss and opted to bat.
Jos Buttler’s decision to bat, having won the toss, essentially eliminated Pakistan from the semifinal race. To surpass New Zealand in the standings on net run-rate, Pakistan needed to beat England by 287 runs if they had batted first.
Stokes and Root capitalized on a strong opening partnership of 82 between Jonny Bairstow (59) and Dawid Malan (31), exploiting a slow Eden Gardens pitch and some erratic bowling.
Bairstow, with seven boundaries and a six in his 61-ball knock, achieved his second fifty in an otherwise lackluster tournament. Malan was the first to depart, miscuing a reverse sweep off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed, while Bairstow was caught in the covers off Haris Rauf, who proved to be Pakistan’s most successful bowler with figures of 3-64.
Stokes, who returned from ODI retirement for the World Cup, showcased his prowess with 11 boundaries and two sixes before being yorked by Shaheen in the 41st over.
Root, securing his third half-century of the World Cup, hit four boundaries but was caught off a leading edge against Shaheen, who finished with 2-72.
Harry Brook contributed 30, featuring two sixes and as many fours, while Buttler added 27 with a six and three boundaries. The pair’s quick 45-run partnership allowed England to score 97 runs in the last ten overs.
With Pakistan virtually out of contention, New Zealand is set to be the fourth team in the semifinals and will face the undefeated India. The other semifinal will see Australia take on South Africa.
