More Ben Stokes heroics help England beat Pakistan to win T20 World Cup

Ben Stokes played another starring role as England beat Pakistan in the T20 World Cup final by five wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday.

It was a first T20 World Cup triumph since 2010 for England, and means they become the first men's team to hold both the T20 World Cup and 50-over World Cup titles at the same time.

Chasing 138, England were reduced to 45-3 inside the powerplay as openers Alex Hales and captain Jos Buttler, who were so influential in the 10-wicket demolition of India in Thursday's semi-final were dismissed, and they were 84-4 in the 13th over once Harry Brook was brilliantly caught at long-off by Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Photo by Juan Salamanca

However, the tie turned when Shaheen sustained an injury in the catch and pulled up in the 16th over.

His replacement, off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed, was smashed for four and six off successive balls by Ben Stokes to reduce the requirement to 28 from 24 deliveries.

Pakistan did remove Moeen Ali for 19, but Stokes wasn't to be denied, grabbing his first T20 international fifty with a four, levelling the scores, before edging a single through leg-side to give England the title and spark wild celebrations.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, England captain Jos Buttler said: "It hasn't sunk in at all obviously. What an unbelievable effort from everyone to win the game. I am a bit speechless.

"It feels really different to 2019. It was a different time, difference place and a different group. I am just immensely proud, both are just incredible."

England hero Stokes added: "I feel really good. It has been an amazing night. The bowlers have to take credit for restricting them to 137. Sam Curran has done it all tournament and Adil Rashid has turned up at the back end of the tournament when it really matters. That was the best I've seen him bowl for England in a T20.

"I am very proud, you don't get to win World Cups too often so to win two of them is pretty special."