In the 40th match of the ODI World Cup 2023, England faces the Netherlands at MCA Stadium in Pune. While batting first, England all-rounder Ben Stokes scored a magnificent century. Riding on his amazing batting performance, England posted a massive total of 339/9 in 50 overs.
Stokes, in his innings, scored 108 runs off 84 balls with the help of six fours and six sixes. He, along with Chris Woakes, added 129 runs for the seventh wicket. Woakes, in his innings, scored 51 runs off 45 balls with the help of five boundaries and a six. It’s worth noting that this is Stokes’ first World Cup hundred, and he is currently the highest run scorer for England in the ongoing tournament.
Earlier in the day, England skipper Jos Buttler won the toss and opted to bat first. His decision did go well with the team, as opener Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan added 48 runs for the first wicket. Bairstow, in his inning, scored 15 runs off 17 balls with the help of two boundaries. He was dismissed by spinner Aryan Dutt.
Dawid Malan misses out on a well-deserved century
However, after Bairstow’s dismissal, Malan and Joe Root added 85 runs for the second wicket. Root, in his innings, scored 28 runs off 35 balls with the help of a four. Meanwhile, Malan missed out on a well-deserved century as he got run out. In his inning, Malan scored 87 runs off 74 balls with the help of ten fours and two sixes.
It’s worth noting that a win here will keep England in contention for the Champions Trophy in 2025. The team will need to continue their winning run against Pakistan after winning this to qualify. On the other hand, the Netherlands also needs to win this game to stay in the race for the semifinals. They will then need to beat India to stay in the ongoing tournament.
Here is how fans react to Ben Stokes’ amazing batting performance:
Clutch player fighting not for WC but to keep Poms in qualification race for CT 2025
Bhai isse acha retired hi tha tu ???
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) November 8, 2023
Now someone will call him the best all-rounder because of century against Nederlands ??
— deepfekzehar (@deepfuk_zehar) November 8, 2023
A superb? from Ben STOKES, FIRST in WORLD CUP? pic.twitter.com/PzrDol7fkX
— Praneet Samaiya (@praneetsamaiya) November 8, 2023
Finally he did something in this world cup for England….
— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) November 8, 2023
Champion champion player @benstokes38
Form is temporary class is permanent#ENGvNED— MRS. RAJALAXMI (@MrsRajalaxmi) November 8, 2023
Great innings under pressure ??
— Cricket Polls (@CricPollsdaily) November 8, 2023
Chad Stokes back to his form?? pic.twitter.com/1tclee6YDg
— White knight ? (@santhoshtiger14) November 8, 2023
?? ??? ???? ??? ???? ?? ??????? ??? ?? ??? ?
— Samira (@Logical_Girll) November 8, 2023
