England crushed Pakistan by 93 runs to end an otherwise forgettable campaign in the World Cup on a winning note at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday.
England scored a competitive 337 for nine in their last game of the tournament, and then stopped Pakistan at 244 in 43.3 overs.
Jos Buttler was a happy man after England ended their campign on winnign note also confirmed their sport in the ICC Champions Trophy 2024, to be held in Pakistan.
Follow all the action from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 including the World Cup schedule, World Cup 2023 results, and ICC Cricket World Cup points table. Players are vying to top the World Cup 2023 Most Runs and World Cup 2023 Most Wickets charts.
“Nice to put in a good performance and finish that way,” Buttler said after the match.
“Ultimately it’s been a disappointing tournament. Lots to reflect on,” he added.
Agha Salman (51 off 45 balls) was the only Pakistani batter to score a half-century.
Batting first, Jonny Bairstow (31) and Dawid Malan (59) added 82 runs for the first wicket before star all-rounder Ben Stokes smashed 84 runs off 76 balls with the help of 11 fours and two sixes.
Joe Root compiled a neat 60 in 72 balls.
The pair of Stokes and Root stitched 132 runs for the third wicket to power the defending champions, who will be returning home after this game.
“Got off to a really good start, guys in the middle set it up for the end. That’s what we’re capable of, haven’t showed it enough,” Buttler said.
For Pakistan, Haris Rauf took three wickets for 64 runs while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim took two apiece.
Playing in his last game in England colours, David Willey (3/56) grabbed two early wickets to peg Pakistan back at the start of their chase.
Buttler praised Willey sayging: “He’s been fantastic (Willey). Always finding a way – that’s been the hallmark. A team man who’ll be missed.”
A 53-run partnership for the last wicket between Haris Rauf (35 off 23) and Mohammad Wasim Jr (16 off 14) only delayed the inevitable.
Buttler also opened up how England would manage without Ben Stokes.
“We shoud’ve been able to cope without Ben (Stokes). We know what a class player Ben is. These last two games he’s played fantastically well. Not having him for a few games certainly was a challenge, but we’re good enough to deal with that,” Buttler said.
“We spoke before the game about – if this is the last game of an era, let’s make some good memories. Wherever we go from here, today is a good day,” he added.
The England skipper also indicated that there may be changes for them but it will not be drsastic.
“It won’t be the drastic change of playing style like 2015. It’s about making sure we’ll push on from here,” Buttler said.
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