England won the third T20I by 63 runs to lead the 7-match series by 2-1

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Harry Brook and Ben Duckett’s partnership set a huge total on the board and help England to lead the series

Pakistan had won the toss and elected to field first in the third game of the series while Pakistan chased down the target of 222-runs but they could only manage to score 158-runs and lost the game by 63 runs.

Pakistan had won the toss and elected to field first. Mohammad Hasnain sent Phil Salt to the pavilion in the third over of the innings. 

Then, Will Jacks and David Malan took the responsibility and played some outstanding shots. Will Jacks’ sparky debut innings of 40 off 22 ended with a catch in the deep.

Ben Duckett stuck closely to his brief of trying to take down spin during the middle overs, bringing out an assortment of sweeps and paddles both orthodox and reverse while Brook relied on a more textbook technique to produce an array of eye-catching shots.

Brook and Duckett both scored maiden T20I fifties during a record fourth-wicket stand for England in the format, the pair belying their relative inexperience at this level to add 139 from just 69 deliveries. 

Brook’s form was especially shining, as he carved eight fours and five sixes to complete not out on 81 from just 35 deliveries a strike rate of 231.42. Duckett created his best innings in an England shirt with an unbeaten 70 from 42.

England was 221-3 after the end of the innings.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were the key men for Pakistan’s side as they attempted what would have been a record chase. 

But Wood and Reece Topley, two of England’s three changes to the XI, removed both openers for single-figure scorers and Pakistan immediately lurched out of conflict at 28 for 4 in the last over of the powerplay.

But, any expectations of an encore were immediately scotched, as England’s reshaped attack tore out the cream of Pakistan’s batting.

With Babar and Rizwan tucked away at the top of the order, Shan Masood has had to take his risk wherever he can track down a space. 

The 32-year-old made 7 off 7 batting at No. 4 on debut in the first T20I and appeared ill-suited to the demands of trying to nail down a spot in Pakistan’s ever-changing middle-order roster, where the openers’ deliberate run-pillaging frequently requires those who come after to start straight away.

It may have come in a lost cause, but Masood’s performance on this occasion suggested he has the wherewithal to survive. 

He played freely against England’s two spinners, twice dumping Rashid over the ropes and going to a 28-ball fifty with another six off Moeen Ali, outscoring both of his partners, Khushdil and Mohammad Nawaz, during consecutive 50-plus stands that lifted Pakistan away from ignominy. 

And perhaps his canniest move was making sure to only face three balls from Wood.

Pakistan could only manage to score 158 at the end of the innings and lost the game by 63 runs.

“It was very nice to get out there and have a match-winning performance tonight. It was quite similar to the other night. Every pitch has been fairly similar. Just hitting through the line of the ball and trying to play on the front foot as much as possible. I was just trying to get [Duckett] on strike – he’s so good against spin, it’s ridiculous.”

says Harry Brook.

Mark Wood says

“First game for England since March, one club game for Ashington. Pakistan crowd was very supportive, Babar and Rizwan played well last time so a big wicket, Toppers bowled a great over so that allowed me to attack. I’ve done loads of time in the gym and lots of running, but nothing the same as a game. You tend to be a bit fresh after seven months out, but can I keep those speeds up. What’s important for me is not to go too hard now and not be ready for Australia. Today was a good day, the crowd was flying, but can I repeat that.

“Brooky, hopefully, he grows and becomes one of those top, top players. We all got a bit of experience from the PSL, Jacks took it to the bowlers, the future for England cricket is amazing. Wood bowled serious, serious pace, great to have him back, he’s a massive part of our team.”

said Moeen Ali.

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