In the third ODI against New Zealand, Ben Stokes smashed his first century following his decision to reverse his retirement.
Sir Ben Stokes, rise up. After an outstanding innings against New Zealand in the dramatic ICC World Cup 2019 final, the Englishman is back in the same version of the game that first inspired thoughts of knighthood. Benjamin Andrew Stokes made his comeback in the third One Day International (ODI) of the bilateral series between the two 2019 World Cup champions by bowling an absolute blinder of a ball to enable England escape a hazardous scenario.
At the Kennington Oval in London, where the penultimate ODI of the series between the two World Cup contenders was played, Stokes rewrote history by slamming a thunderous century to spark England’s comeback against the Kiwis. In the 50-over format, Stokes scored his first century since 2017. For the reigning world champions against the Black Caps, the England Test captain and teammate Dawid Malan also registered the greatest partnership for any wicket.
Record against Kiwis for the Ben Stokes and Malan screenplay partnership
Eoin Morgan and Joe Root’s famous 198-run stand against New Zealand in Nottingham in 2015 has been eclipsed by Stokes and Malan. While Stokes scored the fastest ODI century of his career, England’s Malan (96) was removed by Trent Boult in the 32nd over, preventing him from reaching his century. In just 76 balls, Stokes reached his century as England came back from 13-2 to post a difficult total against New Zealand.
Stokes tops England’s previous ODI record for points scored
Of the 63 ODI hundreds scored by players from full-member nations in 2023, Stokes’ one was the 12th fastest. Stokes’ fourth ODI century was also his first after reversing his retirement. In the 29th over, bowled by Glenn Phillips, the Englishman reached his century. The superstar for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) smashed 11 fours and three sixes to reach his century in just 76 balls. For the World Cup in India, Stokes has rejoined the England ODI team. After England played South Africa at Chester-le-Street last year, the 32-year-old announced his retirement from the 50-over game.
In the 50-over version, Stokes blasted the highest individual score for England by turning his quick-fire century into a record-breaking knock. Against New Zealand in the third ODI, Stokes broke the 180-run barrier to change the course of history. Jason Roy, who had hit 180 against Australia in 2018, was surpassed by Stokes. Ben Stokes scored 182 off 124 balls in a fun innings during which he hit 15 fours and nine sixes.
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Records that Ben Stokes has broken
Stokes broke Jason Roy’s previous mark for the greatest individual score by an English batsman in ODIs, which stood at 180 runs against Australia in 2018, to cement his name in the annals of cricket history. If he had scored 18 more runs, Stokes would have become the first Englishman to score a double century in ODI cricket. Ben Stokes broke the following records in the third one-day international match against New Zealand.
Highest score a batsman from England has ever achieved in an ODI.
A number four or lower batter’s second-highest score in an ODI match.
The sixth-best ODI cricket score by a non-opener.
Stokes’ outstanding performance put him in position to become the first non-opening batsman to score an ODI double-century. The players who have so far achieved this accomplishment are all openers.
Ben Stokes returns to the English ODI team in style
It was only about 14 months ago that Stokes, a superb all-around player, announced his retirement from ODI cricket, so this outstanding performance represents a turning point in his career. He changed his mind last month and will now play for England in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, where he hopes to support Jos Buttler’s team in winning the tournament for the second time.
Stokes was essential to England’s success at the 2019 World Cup, turning up a game-winning performance against New Zealand in the nail-biting championship match at London’s Lord’s Cricket Ground. For England, Stokes is anticipated to be vital in the 50-over competition, which will take place in India from October 5 to November 19.
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