England end World Cup campaign on a high with commanding victory over Pakistan

Kolkatta, Nov 11: In a resounding conclusion to their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup journey, England delivered a stellar performance against Pakistan at Eden Gardens, emerging victorious by a formidable 93-run margin.
The win, while a positive note to end on, was insufficient to propel either team beyond the group stage, concluding their World Cup campaigns.
Facing a nearly insurmountable task to secure a spot in the semi-finals, Pakistan started the match with the odds stacked against them, requiring a colossal victory to influence a significant swing in net run rate.
England, determined to exit the tournament on a high note, showcased their prowess with both bat and ball. Ben Stokes, in what could potentially be his final appearance in the One Day International format, played a pivotal role, smashing an impressive 84 runs off 76 balls. Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root complemented the effort with half-centuries, propelling England to a commanding first-innings score of 337/9.
In the bowling department, David Willey marked his farewell with a standout performance, claiming figures of 3/56. Willey’s efforts also saw him join the elite group of England men’s players to reach 100 wickets in the ODI format. This significant milestone contributed to England securing a guaranteed top-eight finish, solidifying their qualification for the next Champions Trophy.
Despite some late hitting from Pakistan’s side, featuring contributions from Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, and Haris Rauf, the team fell short of the monumental victory required to advance. The late surge, however spirited, could not salvage Pakistan’s World Cup campaign, mirroring England’s exit at the group stage.
In a post-match reflection, England captain Jos Buttler’s decision to bat after winning the toss set the tone for the commanding performance. While the outcome didn’t alter Pakistan’s fate in the tournament, skipper Babar Azam acknowledged the circumstances and expressed the team’s commitment to making the best of the situation.
The match, marked by outstanding individual performances and an overall display of cricketing prowess, provided a fitting conclusion to both England and Pakistan’s World Cup campaigns, leaving fans with memorable moments despite their early exit from the tournament.