In reply to Pakistan’s 137, England were 45 for three in the sixth over but Ben Stokes (52 not out) produced a gritty fifty to take his team home.
Ben Stokes was the hero with the bat once again as England successfully chased down Pakistan to win the T20 World Cup in a thrilling final in Melbourne.
Stokes produced his highest T20 score – finishing with an unbeaten 52 runs off 49 balls for his first half-century in the format – as the all-rounder produced another sublime performance on the biggest stage.
England were set 138 to win following wonderful bowling from Sam Curran and Adil Rashid and looked odds-on to add to complete the set of World Cups following their victory in the 50-over format in 2019.
But Pakistan responded to slow England’s momentum, removing Alex Hales early and then following with the wicket of Jos Buttler to set up a nervy finish at the MCG.
Stokes, as well as Moeen Ali, stood up to the challenge and turned the tide following a sensational 17th over that produced 16 runs as England swung for the boundaries. Ali was dismissed to leave England needing six runs off their final 10 balls – but Stokes completed his first T20 half-century to win the World Cup for England.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan: 137 for 8 in 20 overs (Shan Masood 38; Sam Curran 3/12).
England: 138 for 5 wickets in 19 overs (Ben Stokes 52 not out; Haris Rauf 2/23).