England beats Pakistan by 67 runs in the seventh T20I to clinch the series title after 25 years
England made their tour of Pakistan after 17 years and it became a memorable tour for them as they sealed the seven-match T20I series by 4-3 on Sunday in a house-full at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.
Pakistan, while batting second fell short of 67 runs after England put on a humongous total of 209. The hosts were never on the track with Babar Azam, the second highest runs score in the series fell to Chris Woakes in the first over and Reece Topley took the better of Mohammad Rizwan.
Iftikhar Ahmed was the third one to fall in the powerplay as he was caught by David Willey in the sixth over. Shan Masood and Khushdil Shah made a 50-run stand but it was too slow that Pakistan went far behind England in the chase.
England came up with a perfect all-rounding performance to defeat Pakistan by 67 runs in the seventh T20I. With this victory, the visitors won the series by 4-3.
Batting first, Dawid Malan and Harry Brook played unbeaten knocks of 78 and 46 respectively as England posted a giant total of 209/3 in 20 overs against Pakistan in the decider at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.
Presentation Ceremony
Player of the Match Dawid Malan:
“We saw this as a final, so to do it under pressure and put up a big score was fantastic. We felt the first 12-14 overs it was coming on nicely, then it slowed up. Luckily our bowlers learned from their lessons with the ball, bowling into the wicket, chaand ages of pace. They bowled fantastically well. We’re getting a break here and there, looking forward to getting to Australia and having a couple of days off. But it’s been fantastic to be here, thanks for having us.”
Harry Brook is Player of the Series:
“[Secret of success] Just try to hit straight and play the ball on its merit. Plenty of practice, time in the nets and doing drills. I’ll look to hit straight and if there’s a gap I’ll manipulate the field. [WC spot] We’ll see, looking forward to getting out there, we’ve got Australia in a three-match series and then on to the World Cup. Hopef,ully we can push for the trophy. Been great fun over here.”
England captain Moeen Ali:
“Brilliant game today, we played well from the start. The batters put up a very good score and I thought our bowling was outstanding in wet conditions. [Top order] They give confidence to everyone else. The strike rates they bat at are realare important. After we lost a couple, credit to the boys, they went out and played how they wanted. We had two must-win games, to come back and win them is good to see. We’re in a good position, and it shows the depth we have. Just want to say thank you to everyone, and the PCB for looking after us.”
England 209 for 6 (Malan 78*, Brook 46*) beat Pakistan 142 for 8 (Shan 56, Woakes 3-26) by 67 runs.