‘Happy to get back to winning more than getting a ton’: Ben Stokes after England beat Netherlands | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Ben Stokes‘ maiden World Cup century set up England‘s 160-run victory over the Netherlands in Pune on Wednesday, lifting the faltering champions off the bottom of the table.
The victory snapped a five-game losing streak for England, who had long since been out of semi-final contention.

However, only their second win of the 10-team event kept England’s prospects of finishing in the top eight and qualifying for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan alive.

England were 192-6 following yet another batting collapse before Stokes’ 108 and 51 from fellow all-rounder Chris Woakes propelled them to 339-9 in 50 overs.

The Netherlands were never in it, crumbling to 179 all out in 38 overs, with Woakes and David Willey striking with the new ball before spinners Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid each claimed three wickets.
“Happy to get back to winning more than getting a ton. It’s been a tough World Cup. Was a nice wicket to bat on, just that there was a bit of tennis-ball bounce from the back of length. Tried to take it as deep as possible and then cash in,” Stokes, who was named player of the match, said at the post-match presentation.
“Woakes and I used the scoreboard and we had lots of time to work with. We built a nice partnership, it’s amazing how quick you can catch up. Woakes is a genuine allrounder, he’s been a great cricketer for the last two-three years, this showed why,” Stokes added.