World Cup 2019: The best batting performances of the tournament

#1 Ben Stokes - 84* and 8* (Super Over) vs New Zealand (Final)

Ben Stokes was named the Man of the Final for his scintillating knock

The best batting performance of the tournament was neither a big hundred, nor an explosive knock. It was a nerve-wracking innings, with an optimum blend of all elements - strike rotation, big shots, and a bit of luck. Cometh the hour, cometh the man; it was Ben Stokes who stood up when it mattered the most for England, showcasing his talent, technique, temperament and tenacity at the biggest stage of cricket.

England needed 242 runs to be crowned world champions for the first time. While they had a steady start, the English side was reduced to 86-4 at one point, and New Zealand threatened to repeat their heroics of the semi final. However, there was one man who stood between them and the crown of cricket. That man was Stokes.

Stokes got off to a slow start, as one more wicket at that point of time could have sealed the match for the Kiwis. He kept the scoreboard ticking without taking any risks, and allowed Jos Buttler to play the attacking strokes.

Post the dismissal of Buttler, he kept batting with the same rhythm, ensuring that at least one boundary per over. Although Stokes had his share of luck in the missed catch and overthrow, he held his nerve brilliantly to tie the match for England. The southpaw scored a superb 84-run knock off 98 balls, with 5 fours and 2 sixes and stayed unbeaten.

Stokes came back for England in the super over, and scored 8 more runs off t balls, which eventually proved crucial in the context of the game.