Pakistan v England LIVE: T20 cricket result and scorecard as England cruise to 63-run win
England’s seven-match series is level at 1-1 following Pakistan’s batting masterclass in second T20
England suffered a bruising defeat in the second T20I of this seven-match series as an unbelievable batting display from Pakistan openers, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, saw them knock off 200 runs without losing a wicket. Luckily for England it is a quick turnaround with the third T20 coming just a day after they slumped to defeat.
Yesterday, Moeen Ali won the toss and elected to bat first. England started slowly though there were solid contributions from Phil Salt (30), Ben Duckett (43) and Harry Brook (31) before Moeen himself (55*) ended the innings in style propelling England to 199-5 at the halfway stage.
It was a total that seemed out of reach for Pakistan who, two days previously, had only managed to score 158. With no choice but to attack to keep up with the 10 runs per over rate Rizwan and Babar got to work. They were near flawless with one chance – a dropped catch by Alex Hales – the only blemish in their partnership. Rizwan ended up with 88* and Babar (110*) scored his second T20I hundred to get Pakistan over the line at a canter. The series is now level at 1-1 and is well poised for more drama and excitement this evening.
Follow all the action from Karachi as Pakistan host England in the third T20 of the series:
Mark Wood makes blistering return to help England reclaim T20 lead over Pakistan
Mark Wood came close to clocking in at 97mph in his first appearance for six months as England roared back to form to thrash Pakistan in Karachi.
Twenty-four hours after a 10-wicket defeat in Karachi, England reclaimed a 2-1 lead in the seven-match T20 series as they waltzed to victory by 63 runs.
Defending a formidable total of 221 for three, Wood turned up the heat as he hit some of the fastest speeds ever recorded by an English bowler and picked up three for 25 from four fiery overs.
It was hard to believe the 32-year-old had not played competitive cricket since suffering a serious elbow injury in March and the only signs of discomfort came from the opposition batters, who could not cope with his skiddy pace.
Mark Wood makes blistering return to help England reclaim T20 lead over Pakistan
The fast bowler was playing his first competitive match since March.
England win by 63 runs!
Reaction from England captain Moeen Ali who told Sky Sports: “I felt that was a brilliant win. We were ruthless tonight, with the bat in particular.
“That partnership was outstanding; two really good players and Brook is showing how special a talent he can potentially be. He looks an amazing player. Hopefully he grows and becomes one of those top, top players. With the ball as well, we were outstanding.
“Guys have all got a bit of experience from the PSL, I’m sure that helped and someone like Will Jacks, the way he played tonight, the intent he showed, he really took it to the bowlers and gave us a really good start.
“The future is amazing for England cricket with the players we’ve got coming through. There are still some really good players who are not here and guys on the bench. It’s great for us.”
England win by 63 runs!
Pakistan captain Babar Azam on why his team fell to defeat: “We tried to get a good start again today but the early wickets put pressure on us.
“In situations like this we try and use the best bowlers but today we were just not up to the mark and England bowled really well today. We’ll have a look at our performance before the next match.
“I’m confident about Shan. His confidence and the way he showed himself and executed his plan was really good and I hope he continues to play like this.”
England win by 63 runs!
England’s Harry Brook won the player of the match award and spoke to Sky Sports after the game saying: “It was very nice to get out there and have a match-winning performance tonight.
“It was quite similar to the other night. Every pitch has been quite similar so it was just playing through the line and trying to get on the front foot as much as possible really; having a solid game plan and sticking to it.
“I was just trying to get Ben Duckett on strike against the spin, he’s so good at sweeping it’s ridiculous. He seems to hit the gap every time. It worked quite well.”
England win by 63 runs!
England win by 63 runs!
What a fabulous performance from England especially after the disappointment of losing yesterday.
The batters did the most damage by setting a massive score of 221 before Reece Topley and Mark Wood put the tourists in control with the early wickets of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Haider Ali.
The only resistance came from Shan Masood who carried his bat to finish 65 not out but he ran out of partners and the run rate got away from the hosts.
End of innings: Pakistan 158-8 (20), Masood 65, Hasnain 6, Topley 1-22 (4), Pakistan require 222 runs to win
England win by 63 runs! Shahnawaz Hasnain picks up four runs off Reece Topley’s final ball but they run out of time and with wickets tumbling early on they couldn’t recover.
Pakistan 149-8 (19), Masood 61, Hasnain 0, Wood 3-25 (4) Pakistan require 222 runs to win
Mark Wood finishes with strong figures of 3-25 from his four overs. It’s been a brilliant return to the England team for him with his extra pace doing the early damage in Pakistan’s run chase.
Wicket! Haris Rauf 4 (2) c. Curran b. Wood, Pakistan 149-8 (18.5)
A short but sweet innings from Haris Rauf who edges his first ball away for four before spooning a simple catch to Sam Curran. Mark Wood has three wickets!
Wicket! Usman Qadir 0 (1) run out Moeen Ali, Pakistan 143-7 (18.2)
Out first ball! Usman Qadir pushes Mark Wood to mid-off and desperately wants to get off strike. He tries to steal a single to Moeen Ali who picks up and throws down the stumps in one fluid motion.
Pakistan are seven down now.
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