PAK vs ENG: England clinch second T20I with 23-run victory over green shirts

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| Samaa Web Desk May 25, 2024

PAK vs ENG: England clinch second T20I with 23 run victory over green shirts

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England secured a 23-run triumph over Pakistan in the second T20I of the four-match series at Edgbaston Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 184 runs, Babar Azam's men were bowled out for 160 runs, handing England their eighth win in the last 11 T20Is against Pakistan.

England's innings was spearheaded by captain Jos Buttler, who delivered a stellar performance with the bat, scoring 84 runs off 51 balls. His innings, which included eight fours and three sixes, saw him surpass the 3,000-run milestone in T20I cricket, making him only the ninth player to achieve this feat in the shorter format.

Pakistan had an early breakthrough when Imad Wasim dismissed Phil Salt in the fourth over. However, England's recovery was swift as Buttler and Will Jacks stitched together a crucial 71-run partnership, steering the hosts back into a commanding position. Jacks contributed 37 runs off 23 balls, including six boundaries.

Despite a strong start, England's progress was halted by a resilient Pakistani bowling attack. Haris Rauf, Imad, and Shaheen Afridi delivered impressive spells to restrict the home side's total. Jofra Archer's late surge, scoring 12 runs in the final over, ensured England posted a formidable total of 183/7.

Shaheen Afridi was the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming three wickets. Imad Wasim and Haris Rauf chipped in with two wickets each, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Amir went wicketless.

In response, Pakistan's batting line-up faltered despite a promising start. Key wickets fell at regular intervals, and the team struggled to build substantial partnerships. Babar Azam led from the front but his efforts were in vain as Pakistan's chase lost momentum.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bowl first. England's Jofra Archer made his long-awaited comeback, while Pakistan's Haris Rauf returned after a three-month absence.

The victory marks another significant milestone for England, reinforcing their dominance in the T20I format against Pakistan. The series continues to be a hard-fought contest with both teams vying for supremacy.

The next match in the series will be crucial for Pakistan as they look to bounce back and level the series, while England will aim to maintain their winning momentum.