Pakistan claim T20I series draw after beating England

Two wickets and a run-out for Wahab Riaz gave the tourists a winning end to their seven-week tour of England

pakistan010901-min

Emirates Old Trafford: Pakistan 190-4 v England 185-8 - Pakistan won by 5 runs

Scorecard

Pakistan rounded-off their tour of England by claiming victory in the third T20 international at Emirates Old Trafford to secure a series draw.

Half-centuries for Mohammad Hafeez (86) and debutant Haider Ali (54) gave the tourists 190 for 4 from their 20 overs, a total which on a good surface looked below par.

But akin to their bowling display, the hosts were lacklustre and lost wickets at regular intervals. Tom Banton made 46 but he ran out Eoin Morgan (10) before being dismissed himself to derail the chase.

Moeen Ali (61) produced a late salvo but Wahab Riaz ran-out Chris Jordan (1) superbly and he caught and bowled the Worcestershire man to secure a 1-1 series draw and their solitary win from the tour.

While it ends England's 100 per cent series record across all formats this summer, victory was the least Pakistan deserve after another encouraging display from a side combining youngster pretenders and experienced campaigners.

The hosts looked well-placed after inserting the tourists, reducing Pakistan to 32 for 2 with Babar Azam among those back in the shed.

But first Haider and then Hafeez, two players at opposite ends of their international careers, combined to give Pakistan a foothold. They put on 100 in 10.1 overs to transform the innings, with the latter making his highest score in the format.

Hello Haider, Shaheen seed and brilliant Wahab... T20 TALKING POINTS

A cameo from Shadab Khan pushed Pakistan to a credible total, but with the pitch playing well England were expected to make short work of the target.

But when Jonny Bairstow - who was dismissed by a swinging yorker which took out his off-stump - and Dawid Malan were sent back with just 26 on the board a routine chase turned into a tough task.

Banton produced a performance well beyond his years, hitting eight boundaries during his 46. Morgan looked well placed to keep pace with him but going for a quick single was sent back by the Somerset youngster, and was duly run-out.

Five balls later Banton joined him back in the hutch and when Sam Billings was seen off with 65 still needed from 34 balls, the writing appeared to be on the wall.

Moeen was without a half-century in T20Is for five years but he offered a display of substance just when England needed it to give them hope.

The penultimate over would eventually shape the contest. Jordan had his stumps thrown down by Wahab while he was fielding off his own bowling before a bouncer cramped Moeen for room and he could only scoop the ball up for the left-armer to catch.

Seventeen were needed off the final over and though Tom Curran gave England hope with a maximum via the penultimate ball, Haris Rauf responded with a wide yorker to decide the contest.

For unrivalled coverage of the county season, subscribe to The Cricketer and receive 3 issues for £5

Comments

LATEST NEWS

STAY UP TO DATE Sign up to our newsletter...
SIGN UP

Thank You! Thank you for subscribing!

Units 7-8, 35-37 High St, Barrow upon Soar, Loughborough, LE128PY

website@thecricketer.com

Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.