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ODI world cup 2023 Cricket

'Qudrat ka mazak' - Fans react as England beat Pakistan by 93 runs in final league match of 2023 ODI World Cup

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Mathew K
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ENG vs PAK (source: Twitter)

ENG vs PAK (source: Twitter)

Back-to-back wins for England, but unfortunately it comes too late for the defending champions. They were the second team to be eliminated from the semi-final race following a string of losses. However, they secured qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy with a comprehensive 93-run win over Pakistan at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. 

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This also means that Pakistan are officially out of the tournament and they end their dismal campaign on a poor note. Pakistan's qualification hopes were dashed when England opted to bat first. They had unthinkable scenarios in front of them. England did not bother to lend a helping hand to the Men in Green. It's going to be India vs New Zealand in the first semi-final, while South Africa will take on Australia in the second semifinals. 

Talking about the match, England openers Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow got off to a strong start, with the former finally finding his form. Bairstow (59 off 61), Joe Root (60 off 72) and Ben Stokes (84 off 76) got fifties. A late burst towards the end from skipper Jos Buttler, Harry Brook and David Willey propelled them to 337 which was a formidable score on a slow pitch.

Pakistan's goal of a miraculous win soon took a U-turn to somehow win

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Pakistan, in reply, had a disastrous start as their opener Abdullah Shafique departed for a duck in the very first over. Once their trump card Fakhar Zaman was also dismissed in the third over, Pakistan went into deep trouble. They came to pull off a miraculous win but thereafter they just looked to chase down the target and win their final match. 

David Willey, who played his final international game, was superb with the new ball. The 33-year-old finished with figures of 3/56 in 10 overs and won the Player of the Match. Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson and Moeen Ali were also brilliant as they picked up two wickets each. Agha Salman scored a half-century for Pakistan but their struggle finally ended when they were bowled out for 244 in 43.3 overs.

Speaking after the game, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam said: "Yes, very disappointed with the performance. If we had won SA match, could've been a different story. But yes, have made mistakes in bowling, batting and fielding. We gave 20-30 runs extra. Bowled few loose deliveries. Our spinners haven't taken wickets. That's had a big effect. If spinners don't take wickets in middle over, you struggle. We have to sit together. Let's see. Will take positives and discuss our mistakes also."

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Here's how fans reacted to England's win over Pakistan in 2023 ODI World Cup: 

 

 

Pakistan England featured ODI World Cup 2023