Social Chatter: Ben Stokes backed despite World T20 Final horror show

James Matthews sees widespread support for Ben Stokes on social media after his last over horror show cost England World T20 glory.

Ben Stokes was left “disappointed” after a last over horror show cost England the World T20 title on Sunday.

Given the task of bowling the last over with West Indies needing 19 to win, Stokes could not have envisaged things turning out any worse in Kolkata.

With England having one hand on the trophy, Stokes bowled just four balls of his over and was dispatched for sixes each time as Carlos Brathwaite pulled off a remarkable victory for the West Indies.

Left heartbroken on the pitch, Stokes - who had been the hero of England’s semi-final win over New Zealand - later took to his Facebook page to issue a brief message to fans.

It was indeed a great final, and one which swung one way then the other before seemingly looking destined to be won by England. But that was until Stokes was swatted for four maximums.

A whole host of international cricketers were quick to throw a metaphorical arm around Stokes’ shoulder.

Kevin Pietersen, not part of the England squad, was also quick to come out in support of Stokes.

But the hard-hitting batsman also heaped praise at the door of Brathwaite following his match-winning exploits with the bat.

The turnaround victory capped a remarkable day for the West Indies, as they wrapped up a clean sweep of the World T20 titles.

The Under-19 title was already in the bag before West Indies’ women saw off Australia on Sunday. Then the men completed the hat-trick of wins, all despite being in dispute with their own cricket board.

Will we ever see anything like that again? Shane Warne is doubtful.