England vs Pakistan Fourth T20I: England Beat Pakistan by 7 Wickets

Pakistan vs England 4th T20I Highlights: Reigning champions England produced a fine all-round display as they beat Pakistan by seven wickets at the Oval on Thursday. England restricted Pakistan to a modest 157b after winning the toss, with leg-spinner Adil Rashid, the player of the match taking 2-27 from his maximum 4 overs.

Choosing to field first, England bowlers had to witness some fine hitting from the opening duo of Skipper Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan, who teamed up after a long while. Pakistan reached the 50-run mark in just 5.3 overs.

However, at the last ball of the powerplay, this partnership met its end. Skipper Babar was caught by Rashid at short 3rd person on a delivery by Jofra Archer for 36 in 22 balls, with 5 fours and a six. Pakistan was 59/1 in 6 overs.

After that, England spinners Rashid and Moeen Ali were all over Pakistani batting, taking some quick wickets. Pakistan sank to 86/5 in 10.2 overs. Rashid displayed his class with the ball, unleashing a spin web Pakistan could not get out of, taking wickets of Rizwan (23 in 16 balls, with three fours) and Shadab Khan (0).

Dinesh Karthik REVEALS Hardik Pandya Brutal Sledge Retirement in IPL 2024

Wicketkeeper cum batter Azam Khan was also removed for a duck to a scorching bouncer from Mark Wood, as the ball hit his glove and went into the hands of Buttler.

However, Usman Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed provided a bit of stability to Pakistan, helping them cross the 100-run mark in 11.5 overs. Usman’s promising inning was cut short at 38 in 21 balls by Liam Livingstone, with Chris Jordan taking a fine catch. His knock had three fours and two sixes. Pakistan was 126/6 in 14.3 overs.

The lower order did not put up much of a fight and Pakistan was skittled out for 157 runs in 19.5 overs. Rashid (2/27 in 4 overs), and Livingstone (2/17 in 3 overs) were the top bowlers for England. Mark Wood got 2/35 in his 4 overs. Archer, Jordan and Moeen got one wicket each.

In the run-chase, England openers Salt and Buttler unleashed such carnage that half the total was chased down within the 6 overs of powerplay. Young pacer Naseem Shah faced the worst beating out of all pacers, going for 33 runs in his 2 overs, including a 25-run fifth over where Buttler hit him for 3 fours and a six within a space of 4 balls after Salt started the over by punishing an off-cutter through deep mid-wicket for a six.

In 6 overs, England was 78/0. Haris Rauf’s pace earned Pakistan a breakthrough as he removed Salt for 45 in 24 balls, with 6 fours and 2 sixes. England was 82/1 in 6.2 overs.

England reached the 100-run mark in 8.5 overs, not compromising on their hitting. However, skipper Buttler was next to go, with Rauf getting his second scalp and wicketkeeper Azam getting the catch. The England skipper made 39 in 21 balls, with 7 fours and a six. England was 101/2 in 9 overs.

Sandeep Lamichhane’s US Visa Denial Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2024 Leads To Massive Protest In Nepal, Video Goes Viral- WATCH

Rauf cleaned up Will Jacks next, who played a nice cameo of 20 in 18 balls, with a four and six. England was 112/3 in 11 overs. The pair of Jonny Bairstow (28* in 16 balls, with a four and 3 sixes) and Harry Brook (17* in 14 balls, with a four and six) did not waste much time, ending the chase at 158/3 in 15.3 overs.