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Reigning champions England defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in an exciting match at The Oval to win the fourth T20 International and seal the series 2-0. An all-around performance that left Pakistan reeling, the match was a monument to England's ability.
England head to the #T20WorldCup with a crushing win against Pakistan and a 2-0 series victory 🏆https://t.co/L2m8S8NmTV | #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/wUBOiuZcg3
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 30, 2024
England’s bowling
Winning the toss, England chose to field first. Pakistan's innings began on a promising note with openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan laying a solid foundation. The pair forged a 59-run partnership, with Babar contributing a steady 36 before falling to Jofra Archer’s well-placed delivery. Rizwan added a brisk 23 off 16 balls but couldn't sustain the momentum as England's bowlers tightened their grip.
The turning point came in the 11th over when Pakistan, poised at 59/0, faced a dramatic collapse to 86/5. Archer's early breakthrough set the tone, and the spinners, led by Adil Rashid with figures of 2-27, capitalized on the situation. Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone effectively tied down Pakistan's middle order, while Mark Wood and Archer continued to exert pressure with their pace. Pakistan's innings ended at 157 in 19.5 overs, a target that seemed modest against England's strong batting lineup.
England’s aggressive run chase
England’s response was swift and decisive. Openers Jos Buttler and Phil Salt launched an aggressive attack, accumulating 82 runs in just seven overs. Salt top-scored with 45, while Buttler added a solid 39, setting a blistering pace that left Pakistan's bowlers scrambling for answers.
Haris Rauf breaks the opening stand - Phil Salt caught in the deep after a superb start!
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 30, 2024
He goes for 45 - England 82/1https://t.co/L2m8S8NUJt | #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/IGCrqabyDz
Despite a commendable effort from Haris Rauf, who claimed three wickets for 38 runs, England's batsmen remained unrelenting. The chase was rounded off with style as Harry Brook sealed the victory with a six off Rauf, concluding the match at 158/3 in 15.3 overs.
Series Overview
This win handed England a 2-0 triumph in the four-match series, with the other two games at Headingley and Cardiff washed out without a ball bowled. The series underscored England's dominance in the T20 format, further cementing their reputation as a formidable force in world cricket.
As both teams look ahead to the T20 World Cup 2024, England’s performance bodes well for their campaign. Their ability to execute under pressure and adapt to different match situations will be crucial in the high-stakes tournament.
For Pakistan, the series was a learning curve. Despite flashes of brilliance, consistency remains an area of improvement. The team will need to address their middle-order fragility and bowling strategy to bolster their World Cup preparations.
Pakistan have won only one T20I series this year leading into the #T20WorldCup 😮https://t.co/GuoLOl1NGr #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/aam9VhJMZB
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 31, 2024
Key Highlights
- Adil Rashid's Bowling: Rashid's exceptional spell of 2-27 was instrumental in stifling Pakistan's middle order.
- Phil Salt's Aggressive Batting: Salt’s 45 off 25 balls provided a solid foundation for England’s chase.
- Haris Rauf’s Effort: Despite Pakistan's loss, Rauf’s figures of 3-38 were a standout performance in their bowling lineup.
- Series Outcome: England clinched the series 2-0, with two matches abandoned due to rain.
As cricket fans gear up for the T20 World Cup, the thrilling England vs. Pakistan series serves as a prelude to the high-octane action expected in the global tournament. Stay tuned to Jobaaj Stories for all the latest updates, schedules, and points tables for the T20 World Cup 2024.
