Cricket: England beat Pakistan in opening T20I

Story by  ATV | Posted by  Nakul Shivani • 1 Years ago
England lead 1-0 in the seven match T20I series against Pakistan
England lead 1-0 in the seven match T20I series against Pakistan

 

Karachi

England opening batter Alex Hales, returning to the side after more than three years, blasted a half-century as the visitors defeated Pakistan by six wickets with four balls to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the seven-match T20I series on Tuesday.

With Pakistan and England priming for the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia, Hales' stunning return to the international game - aided by seven boundaries - and Harry Brook's hitting at the back end, helped England overhaul Pakistan's 158/7 in 19.2 overs.

Replacing Jonny Bairstow in the T20 World Cup squad after his freak injury, Hales, who boasts extensive domestic experience in Australia (Big Bash League) and Pakistan (Pakistan Super League), now should lead England's tournament charge opening the batting.

Pakistan, on the other hand, were once again troubled by their lower-order batting, which again failed to fire, though the openers looked reliable.

At 87/1 at the halfway mark, the platform was set for a total of 175 or more, only for a second half of 71/6, which left the host with a below-par 158.

Babar Azam's side scored just 38 runs in the final five overs.

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The second match of the series takes place on Thursday in Karachi.