NEW DELHI: Ben Stokes (52*) starred with the bat as England beat Pakistan by five wickets to win the T20 World Cup title in Melbourne on Sunday.
Opting to field, England dished out a clinical bowling performance to restrict Pakistan to a below-par 137 for 8 before chasing down the target with six balls to spare at the MCG.
Pakistan never had any momentum in their innings. Babar Azam (32), Mohammad Rizwan (15), Shan Masood (38) and Shadab Khan (20) were the only ones who reached double figures.
Sam Curran (3/12) did most of the damage with three wickets, while Adil Rashid (2/22) and Chris Jordan (2/27) snapped two each.
In reply, England were 45/3 inside the Powerplay but Ben Stokes produced a fighting fifty to take his team home. Jos Buttler (26), Harry Brook (20) and Moeen Ali (19) were the other contributors.
Here is what players had to say after the T20 World Cup final at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG):
Jos Buttler (England captain): It is. To win the T20 World Cup now, really proud of everyone here. It's been a fantastic tournament. We went to Pakistan before coming here, which was a valuable time for the group. He has fitted in really well. We have got a few Australians in the coaching staff. Huge swing in the game, fantastic over from Adil. Has been outstanding for us in the last three games, just the guy who makes things happen. When you hit a length there is some movement. We managed to get away to a start but it wasn't easy.
Babar Azam (Pakistan captain): Congratulations to England, they fought well. We felt like home here, and got great support at every venue. Thanks for your support. I just told the boys to play our natural game, but we fell 20 runs short and the boys fought well with the ball. Our bowling is one of the best attacks in the world. Unfortunately Shaheen's injury put us off, but that's part of the game.
Sam Curran (Player of the Match | Player of the Series): I don't think I should be getting this, I think Ben Stokes should get this player of the match. Big square boundaries, so I knew my wicket bowling would work with big boundaries. I mixed it up with slower balls to make it tough for the batter. Incredibly special. We all look up to him. People question him but he's incredible. Amazing crowd. I wanted to be adaptable coming into the tournament. I haven't bowled much at the death before. Needed to be good with the bat too. How good is it to be a World Champ (smiles)!
Moeen Ali: This is one of the best days of my cricketing career. I feel as a team we deserved it, over a long period of time we have played some amazing cricket, obviously fell short but the semis and then today to win against a brilliant Pakistan side is an amazing feeling, especially in front of fans and family. It was just about keeping my intent, if I get out I get out, being positive and it was the right balance to Stokesy, he played some great shots and put in a crucial partnership.
Alex Hales: I definitely didn't think it (my time) would come around again. Incredibly great feeling. The last 6-8 weeks have been so special and enjoyable, but this puts an icing on the cake. I did take my time, they (Pakistan tour) were a high quality bowling attack and it took me a while to find my feet, I have really enjoyed this tournament and have played well in the important games. Not a bad one, my feet were caught nowhere and it was a decent ball.
Ben Stokes: In finals especially when chasing.. you probably forget all the hard work before that, how we bowled, Adil Rashid and Sam Curran won us the game. It was a tricky wicket and one that you never felt in, so to restrict them to 130-odd bowlers you have to take a lot of credit for that. With that (defeat to Ireland) being so early in the competition we obviously had to address it, say what had to be said and then let it go. In tournaments like these you can't carry baggage with you, that was a little blip on the way, credit to Ireland for turning up and beating us, but the best teams learn from their mistakes and not let it affect them. Pretty good evening. Representing your country in World Cups is amazing.. but it has been a good one.
Chris Woakes: We have lost a few games in Australia but glad for this. The wicket offered a little for the bowlers. The occasion played a part and got the better of us a bit.
Harry Brook: I always thought we could win this WC with this squad. It was a phenomenal day.
