ENG vs NZ: As the ODI World Cup draws near, cricketing nations are intensifying their preparations. While Asia witnesses the pulsating competition of the Asia Cup 2023 with teams like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in action, England and New Zealand are entwined in their own 4-match ODI series. The English team, having faced an initial setback with a loss, has now surged back with back-to-back victories.
In the latest contest between the two teams, New Zealand, having won the toss, put England to bat first. The English side posted an imposing total of 368 runs, exhausting all their wickets in 48.1 overs. The spotlight of the innings undoubtedly shone on England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes. Delivering a masterclass, Stokes plundered 184 runs off just 124 deliveries, a majestic inning embellished with 15 boundaries and 9 massive sixes.
ENG vs NZ: Complementing Stoke’s efforts was opener David Malan. Together, the duo stitched a mammoth 199-run partnership for the third wicket. Malan’s innings, however, ended tantalizingly short of a century at 96 runs. As for the Kiwi bowling attack, Trent Boult spearheaded the charge. The left-arm pacer unleashed mayhem right from his opening delivery, eventually bagging 5 scalps. Ben Lister, on the other hand, claimed three, while Lockie Ferguson and Glenn Phillips managed a wicket each.
Responding to England’s daunting total, New Zealand’s batting unit unraveled swiftly, akin to a pack of falling cards. Amidst the chaos, Glenn Phillips, batting at number six, waged a lone battle, crafting a gritty 72 runs which featured 5 boundaries and 2 sixes. But even his valiant effort proved insufficient in steering New Zealand to victory.
ENG vs NZ: The English bowlers had a field day, with Chris Woakes and Liam Livingstone emerging as the primary wreckers, each securing 3 wickets. Reece Topley contributed with a couple, while Sam Curran and Moeen Ali picked up one wicket apiece. This emphatic win sees England go 2-1 up in the ongoing series.
Yet, beyond the numbers, what resonated deeply was the poignant gesture of the entire English squad. Each player knelt in a touching tribute to their talisman, Ben Stokes, signifying unity, respect, and admiration for the cricketing giant’s outstanding performance.