Ben Stokes, fresh out of ODI retirement for the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India, showcased his cricketing brilliance with a career-defining 182 runs. This outstanding achievement powered England to a convincing win over New Zealand in the third ODI at London’s The Oval, securing a commanding 2-1 series lead.
Opting to bowl first, New Zealand’s Tom Latham-led team started strongly, reducing the Jos Buttler-led England side to a precarious 13 for 2. However, a resilient partnership between Stokes and Dawid Malan, who contributed 96 runs, turned the tide in England’s favour. Their extraordinary 199-run partnership paved the way for England to amass a colossal total of 368 runs in just 48.1 overs.
In response, the Black Caps struggled to gain momentum and eventually folded for a meagre 187 runs in 39 overs. Trent Boult was the standout performer for New Zealand, claiming five wickets for 51 runs. Meanwhile, England’s bowlers, including Chris Woakes (3 for 31), Liam Livingstone (3 for 16), and Reece Topley (2 for 31), played pivotal roles in dismantling the New Zealand batting lineup.
Ben Stokes’ phenomenal innings not only secured the series lead for England but also marked a significant milestone in his career. His 182 runs set a new record for the highest individual score by an Englishman in ODI cricket, surpassing Jason Roy’s previous record of 180 against Australia in early 2018. Stokes’ return to the ODI format after more than a year in retirement was nothing short of spectacular, setting the stage for England’s campaign in the upcoming World Cup in India.
Reflecting on his performance, Stokes humbly apologized to Jason Roy for breaking his record and emphasized the team’s strategy to put New Zealand under pressure from the outset. He praised Dawid Malan’s consistency and highlighted the importance of guiding younger players in the team.
England’s captain, Jos Buttler, conveyed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and their aggressive strategy, emphasizing the potential for further growth and progress within the squad.
Looking ahead, the series’ fourth and concluding match is scheduled to take place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on September 15. This marks a significant occasion as it will be the first meeting between both teams in this format at this iconic venue since the unforgettable 2019 ODI World Cup final.
Ben Stokes’ remarkable resurgence in ODI cricket has not only enhanced England’s prospects but has also cemented his status as a cricketing legend. His breathtaking innings at The Oval vividly demonstrated his ability to excel under pressure, setting the stage for England’s ambitions in the upcoming World Cup. With the cricketing world eagerly awaiting the tournament in India, Stokes’ heroics have undeniably infused excitement and confidence into the English camp, establishing them as a formidable force on the global stage.
