This extraordinary efficiency got here simply weeks earlier than the champions launched into their quest to defend their 50-over title in India.
Stokes’s exceptional knock was not the one spotlight of the day; England’s dominance was additional emphasised by their colossal 181-run margin of victory, which gave them a 2-1 lead within the four-match sequence. The stage is now set for an thrilling finale at Lord’s on Friday.
Throughout his innings, the left-handed Stokes displayed his sheer brilliance, smashing 15 fours and launching 9 sixes.
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England initially discovered themselves in a precarious place at 13-2, due to Trent Boult’s early double breakthrough, which included the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow on the very first ball of the match.
Nevertheless, Stokes, together with Dawid Malan (who scored 96), orchestrated a exceptional restoration with a third-wicket partnership value 199 runs, in the end guiding England to a complete of 368.
New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips made a valiant effort, scoring 72 runs to maintain England at bay. Nevertheless, when he was adjudged lbw to spinner Liam Livingstone, the Black Caps’ hopes dwindled, they usually discovered themselves at 173-8.
Livingstone, who was in very good kind, contributed considerably to England’s victory, taking three wickets for simply 16 runs. He concluded the match with a formidable efficiency, dismissing the No. 11 batsman, Ben Lister, who was stumped by England’s captain, Jos Buttler.
Consequently, New Zealand was bowled out for a complete of 187, and England emerged victorious with a snug margin and ample overs to spare.
“Coming again into the workforce after some time out, it is good to return again and assist the workforce,” stated player-of-the-match Stokes on the presentation ceremony.