Experienced all-rounder Chris Woakes became England’s joint leading wicket-taker alongside iconic pacer Ian Botham in Cricket World Cups following England’s victory over the Netherlands. Woakes played a crucial role with the bat and then produced an economical spell, claiming a single wicket in seven overs and conceding just 19 runs.
With that wicket, Woakes claimed his 30th scalp in the World Cup, going level with Botham who also has 30 wickets for England. Right-arm pacer Phil Defreitas holds the second spot with 29 wickets, while James Anderson has claimed 27 wickets for the Three Lions in the World Cup. Spinner Adil Rashid and pacer Mark Wood, who are also part of England’s current World Cup squad, have 24 wickets each.
After the game, Ben Stokes praised Woakes for his exceptional performance, saying, “He is a genuine all-rounder for us, he has been a great cricketer for England over the last 2-3 years and today he proved it.”
England’s win over the Netherlands saw Ben Stokes’ century and Moeen Ali’s three-wicket haul, helping them clinch a 160-run victory at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.
The Dutch players displayed a disappointing performance in the game with both bat and ball, while England managed to seal their second win in the tournament.
England, after winning the toss, opted to bat first and posted a total of 339/9. In reply, the Dutch team got off to a good start but failed to capitalize on those opportunities. England’s clinical bowling spell ended their innings on 179 runs ensuring a massive victory.
