England showcased a remarkable performance in their final ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup group stage match, defeating Pakistan by 93 runs at Eden Gardens. This victory marked the end of both teams’ World Cup journey at the group stage.
Ben Stokes, amid uncertainty about his future in One Day Internationals, played a pivotal role by smashing 84 runs off 76 balls, contributing to England’s commanding total of 337/9. Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root also made significant contributions with half-centuries.
In the bowling department, David Willey’s outstanding performance on his last day in an England shirt resulted in figures of 3/56, making him the 14th England men’s player to reach 100 wickets in ODIs.
Willey’s exceptional swing-bowling early in the second innings saw Pakistan lose both openers, setting the tone for England’s dominance.
Despite a valiant effort by Agha Salman, who scored 51 from 45 balls, Pakistan fell short. Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali capitalized on the scoreboard pressure, with Rashid taking 2/55 and Moeen claiming 2/60, potentially in his final ODI appearance for England.
Late hitting from Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, and Haris Rauf narrowed the margin of Pakistan’s loss, but it was insufficient to salvage their World Cup campaign. England’s qualification for the next Champions Trophy was secured with a guaranteed top-eight finish.
Earlier, England captain Jos Buttler’s decision to bat paid off, with openers overcoming an early hostile spell from Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.
Stokes and Root’s partnership, coupled with late-hitting displays from Buttler, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, and David Willey, propelled England to a formidable total.
Haris Rauf’s impressive death bowling limited England’s final score, but 337/9 proved more than enough as England concluded their World Cup campaign on a positive note. The victory not only secured a top-eight finish but also showcased England’s resilience in the tournament.
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