Stokes’ superhuman performance led England to the World Cup win.
Eoin Morgan paid tribute to Ben Stokes’ “almost superhuman” performance after their thrilling victory against New Zealand at Lord’s on Sunday. The Brits were in need of 39 runs of the last 23 balls to win when Chris Woakes got dismissed. It was Stokes’ unbeaten 84 that tied New Zealand’s target of 241 off 50 overs.
He was then selected to bat in the Super Over. Despite both teams scoring 15 runs each, England won since they scored more boundaries in the match. “It’s been phenomenal - people believed because we believed,” says Morgan. “It’s been an incredible day. Sport is often about fine margins. Today was the finest of margins… To come through was extraordinary, almost a superhuman way to carry the innings. Stokes’ partnership with Jos was extraordinary - everyone back home is hopefully trying to be the next Ben Stokes,” he added.
This sort of serves as redemption for Ben Stokes who, just three years prior, cost England the T20 World title. After that loss, he was included in a street brawl and had subsequent court cases that threatened to end his career. “I said it before but a lot of careers would have been ended after what happened in Calcutta,” said Morgan. “The way he trains, he’s an incredible cricketer. Today, he’s had a day out.”
After 44 years and three losing appearances in the finals, England has finally won their first world cup title. “Absolutely unbelievable, I still can’t quite believe it… I thought it was over when Chris Woakes got out but then Liam Plunkett got us back into the game and we had the rub of the green with Ben’s overthrows.”
The victory completed four years of hard work and practice for Morgan, who captained the team which saw an early exit in the 2015 World Cup.
Though the England cricket team has won the World Cup, their challenges are not yet done. They are set to face Australia in The Ashes next month. Odds for the teams will soon be available. To find out more about odds, visit Betwala's page.
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