After England all-rounder and Test captain Ben Stokes, 31, scored a game-winning unbeaten 52 against Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup final at the MCG on Sunday night to lead his team to victory, former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming referred to Stokes as the "champion under pressure."
Stokes produced a 49-ball unbroken 52 and dismissed middle-order batsman Iftikhar Ahmed to help England win the T20 World Cup in style despite the pressure of a jam-packed legendary MCG venue and a sea of Pakistani fans cheering for Babar Azam and his team.
On ESPNcricinfo, Fleming, who also serves as the head coach of IPL team Chennai Super Kings, lauded Stokes' performance and said, "He is a huge presence; he is a big personality; he is a great winner. These are the essential components that make a player go from being decent to outstanding. He is building a career by being present in crucial situations. He wins Test matches, as he did today. He has been in some incredible battles, and you would usually back him to prevail.
"He is a champion under pressure because his temperament is so severely tested and consistently delivers. Few people rise to the occasion as well as he seems to; as a result, everyone around him thrives when he assumes the role of the main character. He did it once more for England "Added he.
Sam Curran, who won "Player of the Match" and "Player of the Series," received plaudits from England all-arounder Moeen Ali as well. On Sunday, Curran, 24, got three wickets while giving up only 12 runs in his four overs. The all-tournament rounder's total of 13 wickets came at an average of 11.38.
"Very pleased of him; he's a fantastic young player. He has been here for some time. He thrives under pressure and on special occasions, and he is only becoming better now that he has earned a spot on the team, which is crucial for him. I think he still has a lot to offer with the bat and the ball in particular "Informed Star Sports, Moeen.