Watch: Ben Stokes hit an exact replica of his famous reverse-swept six against Nathan Lyon at Headingley in the 2019 Ashes in his final innings of the 2023 World Cup, this time taking down Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha.

England’s World Cup title defence has not gone to plan, but Stokes has hit form at the end of the group stage, finishing with two half-centuries and a hundred in his last three innings.

With England’s place in the 2025 Champions Trophy still not quite secure, he smashed 84 off 76 to drive his side to an imposing total in what many are predicting will be his final ODI innings.

The highlight was a reverse-hit off Salman, with the part-time Pakistan spinner pumped high behind square on the off-side – or the leg-side, depending on the perspective. The shot was instantly compared to Stokes’ famous six off Lyon in his unbeaten 135 against Australia, a knock regarded as one of the greatest Test innings of all time, pulling off a one-wicket win with a record tenth-wicket stand.

England sit in seventh place in the World Cup table, but are only separated from Netherlands, in last place, on net run rate. A win would almost certainly confirm a top-eight finish, and with it a place in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Watch the Ben Stokes reverse-hit six below:

 

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