ICC T20 World Cup 2022: Stokes Guides England to Dramatic MCG Win

The 2022 ICC T20 World Cup was held in Australia in October and November. England, under Jos Buttler, won their second T20 World Cup title, defeating Pakistan in a gripping final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground before a capacity crowd of over 80,000.

The Super 12 Stage

England had a difficult group stage, losing to Ireland in a rain-affected match, but they recovered to qualify for the semi-finals. New Zealand, India, Pakistan, and England made the last four. In a thrilling semi-final, England defeated India, while Pakistan knocked out New Zealand to set up a rematch of the 1992 ODI World Cup final.

The Final at the MCG

Pakistan batted first and posted 137 for 8. England's chase of 138 went to the last over requiring 19 runs — echoing their 2016 final loss. Ben Stokes, promoted to number 3, held the innings together with 52 not out off 49 balls. He hit a six and a four off the penultimate over from Shaheen Afridi, and Sam Curran clinched it in the last over. England won by five wickets.

Sam Curran's Golden Arm

Sam Curran was the Player of the Tournament with 13 wickets at an economy of 6.52 — the most wickets by any bowler in the tournament. His left-arm pace and ability to bowl at the death was central to England's title challenge. He became the first player to win both Man of the Match in a T20 World Cup final and Player of the Tournament.