Pretty Lost For Words, Says Ben Stokes after Powering England To World Cup

Updated - 15 Jul 2019, 02:08 PM

Ben Stokes (Credits: Getty)

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Ben Stokes was reduced to his knees and tears in 2016 when he failed to defend 19 runs in the final over of the World T20. Carlos Brathwaite had hit Stokes for four consecutive sixes to seal the trophy for West Indies. Three summers later, Ben Stokes was in a similar condition. However, the reason behind the same was different. Ben Stokes registered his name in the history of England’s greatest players by helping the country wins its first ever World Cup.

England beat New Zealand in a thrilling final at the Lord’s to seal their first-ever title. The architect of the win is definitely Ben Stokes. Chasing 242, England were reeling at 86 for 4. New Zealand were looking set to take command of the game. However, Ben Stokes stayed till the end and scored an unbeaten 84 to make sure England do not lose the game.

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The scores were tied at the end of the 50 overs and thus the game was pushed to super over. In the super over, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler hit one four each in the one-over to make sure Jofra Archer has a decent total to defend. Archer, however, started poorly as he conceded a wide before being hit for a double and a huge six by James Neesham.

The equation was finally down to 2 off the last ball. But New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, who was facing his first ball of the over, managed just one and was run-out while he was trying to take the double. That meant the super over scores were tied, and England won on virtue of having scored more boundaries in the match.

Ben Stokes was awarded the Man of the Match for his effort. Speaking at the end of the game, he expressed his delight over the way the team managed to execute the plans.

“I’m pretty lost for words. All the hardwork that’s gone on in these four years, and to execute with such a good game is unthinkable. Thanks to everyone for all the support. We just kept talking during the partnership with Jos, and the run-rate wasn’t getting away, and in the last over when the ball hit the bat and went for four – I apologize to Kane for that. I definitely wasn’t going to bowl the last over (laughs). It’s fantastic, without the lads, the family, and the support, it’s just been incredible,” said Ben Stokes.