England have thrashed New Zealand by 181 runs at The Oval, helped by Ben Stokes hitting the highest-ever score by an England batsman in a one-day international.
Having gotten the series back on level terms at the weekend, England had the momentum heading into the third of four matches, yet few would have predicted the manner of their latest victory.
The home side lost Jonny Bairstow to a golden duck and Joe Root for just four as New Zealand reduced them to 13-2 after 2.4 overs.
However, Stokes and Dawid Malan proceeded to add 199 runs for the third wicket off just 27.3 overs, with Malan falling for 96 off 95 balls.
That knock was nothing more than the sideshow to Stokes's historic knock, with an astonishing 15 fours and nine maximums being struck as he made 182 runs from just 124 deliveries.
Liam Livingstone gets a THIRD wicket! 🔥
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) September 13, 2023
England win the third ODI by 181 runs 🏴 pic.twitter.com/sZ7Y6sdvnK
Although Jos Buttler made a quickfire 38 from 24, the remainder of England's innings was somewhat shambolic as no-one else making more than 12 runs, and the team were all out for 368 with 11 balls remaining.
Trent Boult starred with figures of 5-51, yet the fast bowler could only watch on as England also dominated with the ball, as New Zealand were quickly down to 28-3.
Glenn Phillips hit a defiant 72 from 76 in the middle order, but New Zealand were never in the game and the Black Caps eventually finished 187 all out from 39 overs.
Chris Woakes chipped in with 3-31, yet it was the unfamiliar name of Liam Livingstone who boasted the best figures, recording 3-18 off five overs.
Nevertheless, the day belonged to Stokes, whose 182 bettered Jason Roy's previous mark by just two runs and went a long way to justifying his return to the 50-over format for his country.
Darren Plant
