(Watch) Ben Stokes emotional celebration after his blistering 182 runs knock against New Zealand.
Star English cricketer Ben Stokes delivered a breathtaking performance, crafting a remarkable century in just 76 balls during the third One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand at Kennington Oval in London on Wednesday, September 13.
The proceedings began with New Zealand’s captain, Tom Latham, winning the toss and choosing to field first. Trent Boult, a key figure for the Kiwis, once again demonstrated his prowess with the new ball, setting an early tone for the match. In a whirlwind opening spell, he claimed two crucial wickets. The first blow came on the very first ball of the game when Jonny Bairstow was dismissed for a golden duck. Boult’s magic continued in the 3rd over as he sent Joe Root back to the pavilion.
Amidst the early troubles faced by England, the talismanic Ben Stokes strode to the crease. This ODI marked his third appearance since his comeback from a brief retirement, and from the outset, he exuded authority and confidence, taking the fight to the New Zealand bowlers.
Stokes employed a calculated approach to target the opposition bowlers and unleashed a breathtaking assault, launching boundaries and sixes with ease. His phenomenal batting display culminated in a scintillating century, achieved in just 76 balls during the 30th over of the match. This remarkable feat marked his fourth century in ODI cricket.
Here is the moment when Ben Stokes reached his hundred.
Upon reaching this milestone, Ben Stokes graciously acknowledged the applause from the crowd, lifting his bat in recognition. In a touching gesture, he also looked up to the sky, celebrating his century with deep emotion.
Ben Stokes’ relentless hunger for success is well-documented in the cricketing world, and after securing his fourth ODI century, he displayed no signs of complacency. Instead, he continued to dominate the New Zealand bowlers, unleashing a flurry of boundaries and sixes. During his marathon innings, the left-handed maestro accumulated a staggering 182 runs off just 124 balls, reaching his first 150-plus score in ODI cricket in a mere 106 balls. Notably, Stokes’s incredible performance included 15 boundaries and 9 towering sixes.