In a dominant display at Eden Gardens, England’s soon-to-be-deposed world champions bid farewell to the 2023 World Cup with a resounding 93-run victory over Pakistan. Babar Azam’s team is officially out of semi-final contention. David Willey made a strong final appearance in his international career, achieving his 100th and final ODI wicket. Ben Stokes contributed to an imposing total of 337 for 9, and spinners Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid secured the win with four wickets between them.
The match between England and Pakistan, which could have been a highlight of the World Cup, ended with both teams failing to meet pre-tournament expectations. England’s victory confirmed them a seventh-place finish in the group-stage standings, earning them a spot at the 2025 Champions Trophy. Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semi-finals were already slim, and their despondent display from the start led to their eventual elimination from the tournament.
Once England set a high target of 338, Pakistan’s chances of a comeback dwindled. Despite a few promising moments, including Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan’s strong start, Pakistan’s chase never gained enough momentum. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s dismissals only further sealed Pakistan’s fate as England’s dominance shone through.
