[Watch] Ben Stokes Smacks Aryan Dutt For 24-Run Over In Course To Maiden WC Ton

Ben Stokes in action against NED at the 2023 World Cup (x.com)

Ben Stokes roared back into form by shaping up a scintillating 78-ball century against Netherlands in England’s World Cup 2023 dead-rubber in Pune. Batting at number four and arriving to the crease in the 21st over of the English innings, the charismatic all-rounder belted six boundaries and five sixes on his way to his fifth ODI century, and his second since his re-entry to the format.

Remarkably, Stokes swatted Netherlands spinner Aryan Dutt for a 24-run over during the death to race from 58* (63) to 80* (69) in a space of just six legal deliveries. The expensive Dutt over set the tone for England’s late acceleration, orchestrated by the English veteran alongside Chris Woakes.

Ben Stokes clubs Aryan Dutt for a 24-run over

Ben Stokes left a 24-run over off Aryan Dutt in the wake of his fifth ODI century. Facing the Dutch spinner in the 45th over of the English innings, the left-hander clubbed a boundary and three sixes, including one off a no-ball as he himself accumulated 22 runs from the over to race to 69-ball 80*.

Watch: Ben Stokes takes Netherlands spinner to cleaners

A couple of overs later in the innings, Ben Stokes also flayed Bas de Leede with a six and a boundary and eventually raced to his century from 78 balls. In all, the cricketer top-scored for his side in their monumental 339-run total with an 84-ball 108.

The 32-year-old shared 129 runs for the seventh wicket with Chris Woakes, who himself contributed with an attacking 45-ball 51.

Interestingly, Ben Stokes had announced his retirement from ODI cricket a year ago and was fast-tracked back into the side at the behest of current England captain Jos Buttler. While the elegant southpaw notched up notable innings against Australia and Sri Lanka, he failed to lead his side to victory on each occasion as England continues to remain on the bottom of the 2023 World Cup points table.

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