England signed off a disappointing Cricket World Cup title defence on a high by securing a convincing 93-run victory over Pakistan in Kolkata.
Ben Stokes top-scored with 84 and Joe Root (60) and Jonny Bairstow (59) fired half-centuries as England, who elected to bat first after winning the toss, posted 337-9 from their 50 overs.
Pakistan made a nightmare start to their run chase when David Willey (3-56) – making his final ODI appearance – removed both openers inside the first three overs, while Gus Atkinson dismissed captain Babar Azam (38) before England’s spinners took control.
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David Willey took two early wickets against Pakistan at the Cricket World Cup in his final international appearance for England.
Adil Rashid (2-55) and Moeen Ali (2-60) helped reduce their opponents to 150-7, with a half-century from Salman Agha and late attacking cameos from the tail only delaying the outcome as Pakistan were dismissed for 244 in the 44th over.
Victory for England takes them to six points and guarantees them the top-eight finish required to qualify for the next edition of the Champions Trophy in 2025, while Pakistan’s defeat mathematically ended their slim hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals.
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Nasser Hussain takes a look at who in England’s ODI team are set for a final farewell after the Cricket World Cup.
More to follow…
What’s next?
The group stage reaches its conclusion on Sunday, with tournament hosts and unbeaten India facing a Netherlands side who are currently bottom of the standings (8am on Sky Sports Cricket, 8.30am start).
Live ICC Cricket World Cup
Sunday 12th November 8:00am
The semi-final line-up is now confirmed, with India playing fourth-placed New Zealand in Mumbai on Wednesday before Australia take on South Africa in Mumbai a day later. Build-up of those matches begins on Sky Sports Cricket from 8am on those days, with matches starting at 8.30am.
England, eliminated from the tournament, are next in action next month when they travel to the West Indies for a three match ODI series (starting December 3) and a five-match T20 series (beginning December 12).
Watch every match from the Cricket World Cup live Sky Sports, including the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday November 19. Stream the tournament without a contract through NOW.