ODI World Cup 2023

‘Finally he did something in this World Cup’- Fans react as Ben Stokes smashes century in Pune

After a string of disappointing performances, England finally struck a chord in the ODI World Cup, putting up a commanding total of 339 against the Netherlands at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Winning the toss and electing to bat first, England’s decision proved fruitful, as they produced a substantial score.

However, it wasn’t a smooth ride for the Englishmen as at one point, their score was 192-6. Despite their precarious position, England found their knight in shining armour in the form of Ben Stokes. Stokes shared a 129-run partnership with Chris Woakes which will undoubtedly stand out as one of the rare bright spots for England in this tournament.

Earlier, Dawid Malan, perhaps the only English batter who’s looked in decent form in the World Cup, showcased his prowess with a quickfire 87 off just 74 deliveries. The likes of Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jos Buttler failed once again as they have throughout the tournament which brought Stokes and Woakes to the crease.

Ben Stokes finished with 108 of just 84 deliveries 

While Woakes chipped in with a valuable 51, Ben Stokes produced a terrific century, finishing with a blistering 108 off just 84 deliveries. His knock included six boundaries and as many sixes, providing a much-needed boost to England’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions Trophy in 2025. With their backs against the wall, the Three Lions desperately needed someone to step up, and as he has done so often before, Stokes rose to the occasion.

Despite a lacklustre tournament before the match, having scored just 112 runs in four innings, Stokes has managed to turn things around. In the second innings, England have already picked up two early wickets and their fans will hope that they manage to get two points out of this game. At the moment, England are in the driver’s seat but they cannot afford to relax.

Here, we look at how ‘X’ reacted to Stokes’s magnificent century which lit up the stadium in Pune:

Finally he did something in this world cup for England….

— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) November 8, 2023

https://twitter.com/MrsRajalaxmi/status/1722228122266042710

https://twitter.com/Xh_Sahib/status/1722225980608286797

a good knock by Stokes ..arrived late in WC

— anees ur rehman (@an33s) November 8, 2023

Lone warrior as always!

— Naveen (@nawinaugusto) November 8, 2023

Great acceleration by Stokes

— Syed Irfan Ahmad (@Iam_SyedIrfan) November 8, 2023

Century it is for Ben Stokes. !!
Fighter’s Knock. !!
Little late for his form to comeback, still Champions trophy qualification is in sight now. @benstokes38 #CWC2023 #CWC2023INDIA #CWC23 #ENGvNED #CWC23INDIA #EnglandCricket #BenStokes

— Vikramaditya Jain (@quirky_vk) November 8, 2023

Ben Stokes hits 24th ODI half-century off 58 balls. There after 50 in just 20 balls.

— Let's Get Wasted (@letsgetwasted__) November 8, 2023