Ben Stokes hogs all the limelight as England win by 6 wickets

Updated - 10 Jan 2019, 12:36 AM

Ben Stokes, Carlos Brathwaite, Mumbai Indians
Ben Stokes (Credit: Getty Images)

The English Cricket team, shed off their poor run of form this month with a crucial victory at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. After losing the series opener at Seddon Park, Hamilton, England make a come back in the second ODI with the help of their 6 wicket win.

The Three Lions now level the 5-match ODI series against the Black Caps by 1-1, with three matches to go. Eoin Morgan started off on the right foot by winning the toss and backing their ability to chase.

Martin Guptill continued his rich form with a well-stitched half-century with wickets falling at the other end. However, it was the New Zealand’s hero from the Hamilton ODI who stood out in the home side’s batting efforts.

Ben Stokes, Eoin Morgan
Ben Stokes pulled things back for England in the later part of the match. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Santner smashed a priceless 52-ball 62 which consisted of six boundaries and a maximum at a strike rate of 121. He remained unbeaten to power the Kiwi total to a below par 223. Although, New Zealand would have taken the total with arms wide open as the hosts were tottering at 147-8 at one point in time.

The English bowlers hunted in packs as the likes of Stokes, Moeen Ali and Woakes clinched a couple of wickets each. Meanwhile, David Willey and Adil Rashid were at their economical best.

Also Read: Indian contingent on Twitter go savage on PSL, hilariously comparing with IPL

In reply, England chased down the required total with ease on the back of a powerful 62 run knock from captain Eoin Morgan.

Ben Stokes, Eoin Morgan
Ben Stokes picked up two wickets on his return to international cricket. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

Comeback man Ben Stokes finished the job for his side with his unbeaten knock of 63. A late flourish from Buttler sealed the deal for the English side.

In the end, England won the match and stamped their authority on the Kiwis with more than 12 overs remaining. Ben Stokes was adjudged as the man of the match for his couple of wickets, run-outs and priceless 60 odd. No prizes for guessing, it was Ben Stokes who hogged the limelight on his comeback trail.

Here’s how Twitter Reacted:

 

https://twitter.com/cricketeersnz/status/968755629325275136

 

https://twitter.com/dredgeydubs/status/968755612975853568

https://twitter.com/ImVpatel/status/968751444630364160

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New Zealand national cricket team Twitter Reaction