Table of Contents
Introduction
In a remarkable display of cricketing prowess, England’s dynamic all-rounder, Ben Stokes, made a resounding impact during the 3rd ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Stokes, who had recently come out of ODI retirement to bolster his team’s chances in the ICC Cricket World Cup defense, not only crossed the 3,000-run milestone in One Day Internationals but also left an indelible mark on the game with his explosive batting performance.
Ben Stokes’ Explosive Innings
Batting with sheer brilliance and determination, Ben Stokes showcased his explosive prowess with the bat. He blazed his way to a phenomenal 182 runs, carving an impressive innings of just 124 balls. His innings comprised an astonishing 15 boundaries (fours) and nine towering sixes. Stokes exhibited a strike rate that exceeded 146, leaving the opposition in awe.
Watch Video Here
Setting a New Record
Stokes’ stunning innings not only propelled England to a commanding total but also etched his name in the annals of English cricket history. He surpassed the previous highest individual score by an English player in ODIs, which was held by Jason Roy at 180 runs against Australia in 2018. With this remarkable feat, Stokes cemented his place as one of England’s cricketing legends.
A Glimpse into Stokes’ ODI Career
Ben Stokes’ journey to the 3,000-run milestone in ODIs has been nothing short of impressive. With 3,159 runs under his belt in 108 ODIs, Stokes boasts an impressive batting average of 40.50. His runs have come at a brisk strike rate of 96.36, reflecting his ability to dominate bowlers. Within these 108 ODIs, Stokes has notched up four centuries and 22 half-centuries in 93 innings, with his highest score being the incredible 182 achieved in the match against New Zealand.
Crucial Partnerships in the Match
Turning our attention to the game itself, England faced a challenging situation when they were put in to bat first by New Zealand. The team was reeling at 13/2 when Ben Stokes strode to the crease. Stokes played a pivotal role in establishing a 199-run partnership for the third wicket with Dawid Malan, who contributed an impressive 96 runs off 95 balls, including 12 fours and a six. Additionally, Stokes formed a crucial 78-run partnership for the fourth wicket with skipper Jos Buttler, who scored 38 runs off 24 balls, featuring six boundaries. These partnerships propelled England to a formidable total of 368 runs in 48.1 overs, despite a late-order collapse.
New Zealand’s Bowling Highlights
In their pursuit of 339 runs, New Zealand found themselves struggling at 70/5, primarily due to the relentless pace attack led by Chris Woakes, Reece Topley, and Sam Curran. Glenn Phillips exhibited resilience with his knock of 72 runs from 76 balls, including five fours and two sixes, while Rachin Ravindra contributed 28 runs from 22 balls with five boundaries. However, the rest of the Kiwi batting lineup faltered, leading to their eventual downfall. The New Zealand team was eventually bowled out for 187 runs in just 39 overs.
The Bowling Heroes
Chris Woakes, with figures of 3/31, and Liam Livingstone, who bagged 3/16, emerged as the standout bowlers for New Zealand. Reece Topley secured two crucial wickets, while Sam Curran and Moeen Ali chipped in with one wicket each. Ben Stokes’ all-round brilliance extended to the bowling department as well, adding to his impressive Player of the Match performance.
Series Update
With this thrilling victory, England took the lead in the ODI series, now standing at 2-1 with one match remaining. The series has been a testament to the exciting and competitive nature of modern-day cricket, with Ben Stokes stealing the limelight with his remarkable performance.
Conclusion
Ben Stokes’ remarkable innings and all-round heroics in the 3rd ODI against New Zealand will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in his illustrious career. His explosive batting display and crucial contributions have not only propelled England to victory but have also solidified his status as one of the finest all-rounders in contemporary cricket. As England looks ahead to the upcoming matches and tournaments, they can take pride in the presence of a true cricketing dynamo in the form of Ben Stokes.
Read this also :
Shoaib Akhtar Unleashes Fury: Demolishes ‘Nonsense’ Match-Fixing Claim Surrounding India’s Game
Kuldeep Yadav’s Epochal Triumph: Five Wickets Against Pakistan Will Reverberate Through the Ages
