Ace all-rounder Ben Stokes was in his zone as he and Jonny Bairstow belted Indian bowlers to chased down 337 runs in just 43.3 overs in 2nd ODI at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. After this win, the series is currently tied at 1-1 with all eyes on Sunday’s (March 28) series decider before the cricketers join their respective franchise for IPL 2021.
Chasing a mammoth total of 337 runs, Bairstow kicked on and found an able ally in Ben Stokes, who was determined to not let the tempo fall like the last game after Jason Roy’s dismissal. The southpaw did have a moment of luck when a debatable run-out call went in his favor. But that was probably the only blemish he had, and the overs 31-35 were probably the most destructive hitting that you would ever see. A mind-boggling 87 runs came between the 31st and 35th over which took the game from India.
Sorry dad – Ben Stokes after missing century
England were always cruising even before this happened but this phase ensured that the result was a foregone conclusion. Ben Stokes, in particular, was in a different zone in today’s game smashing everything at his disposal. He smacked 10 towering sixes and four boundaries in his 99-run knock off just 52 deliveries which set up England’s victory.
Also Read
Watch – Prasidh Krishna Bowls A Perfect Yorker To Dismiss Jos Buttler For A Duck
Stokes looked extremely disappointed with himself after missing his century. He was seen saying sorry to his late father on his way back to the dressing room which earned a lot of praise on social media. Incidentally, Ben Stokes lost his father a couple of months back owing to cancer.
Watch the video here:
Ben Stokes said "SORRY" to his Dad after getting out on 99.
Deserved a 100 !
What a knock !🔥#BenStokes | #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/GgfUVaUBWy— ° (@anubhav__tweets) March 26, 2021
Earlier in the day, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul combined for a steadily-paced century stand to put things on track. The Indian captain was given a life by Buttler (who had a poor day with the gloves) against Adil Rashid and looked like he might break his century drought but eventually fell to the leggie. Rahul didn’t miss out though and crafted a superb ton. The platform was set for India’s power-hitting duo of Pant and Hardik. The southpaw began the onslaught and smashed seven sixes in his 40-ball assault while Hardik’s late flurry added to England’s woes but the batter made sure they back their bowlers to chase down the target.
