England vs Pakistan 4th T20I Highlights: England Triumphs by 7 Wickets
England vs Pakistan 4th T20I Highlights: ENG Beats PAK by 7 Wickets
31.05.2024: In an exciting encounter at The Oval, England showcased their dominance by defeating Pakistan by seven wickets in the fourth T20I. This victory sealed their 2-0 triumph in the four-match series, with the remaining two games washed out due to rain.
England’s Impressive Bowling Performance
After winning the toss, England elected to field first and successfully restricted Pakistan to a modest total of 157 runs. Adil Rashid was the star with the ball, claiming 2-27 in his four-over spell. His exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
The English bowlers put consistent pressure on Pakistan, especially during the powerplay. Jofra Archer’s dismissal of Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam for 36 was a pivotal moment, triggering a collapse from 59/0 to 86/5 by the 11th over. Despite some resistance from Usman Khan (38 off 21) and Iftikhar Ahmed (21), Pakistan’s innings faltered under England’s relentless attack. Mark Wood and Archer’s pace complemented the spinners effectively, contributing to Pakistan being bowled out for 157 in 19.5 overs.
The Run Chase: England’s Batting Brilliance
Chasing a target of 158, England’s openers made a blistering start. Phil Salt (45) and captain Jos Buttler (39) put on an explosive 82-run partnership within the first seven overs, laying a solid foundation for the chase. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Shaheen Afridi initiating the attack but failing to make early breakthroughs.
Harry Brook played a crucial role in finishing the game, hitting a decisive six off Haris Rauf, who was Pakistan’s best bowler with figures of 3-38. England reached 158-3 with more than three overs to spare, sealing a comprehensive victory.
Key Highlights:
- Adil Rashid’s Spin Masterclass: Rashid’s spell of 2-27 was instrumental in restricting Pakistan’s total.
- Jofra Archer’s Breakthrough: Archer’s dismissal of Babar Azam set the tone for England’s control over the game.
- Explosive Opening Partnership: Phil Salt and Jos Buttler’s 82-run stand ensured a rapid start to England’s chase.
- Harry Brook’s Finishing Touch: Brook’s final six brought an emphatic end to the match.
England’s all-round performance in both batting and bowling secured their 2-0 series victory over Pakistan. This win highlights England’s depth and resilience, setting a positive tone for their upcoming matches. Meanwhile, Pakistan will need to regroup and address the issues in their batting lineup to bounce back in future series.