Dawid Malan guides England to a big 67-run win over Pakistan
England won the seventh T20I match against Pakistan to record a 4-3 series win at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday. Dawid Malan smashed unbeaten 78 runs off 47 balls to help England score 209/3 in 20 overs while batting first and then the English bowlers put impressive spells to restrict hosts on just 142/8 to register a big 67-run win.
Pakistan’s captain Babar Aazam won the toss and elected to bowl first as expected. The in-form stars Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf returned to the starting eleven for Pakistan and England brought in Chris Woakes in the place of Richard Gleeson. Mark Wood was not risked for this final clash due to his recent recovery from a long-term injury.
England started well with openers Phil Salt and Alex Hales putting a quick 39-run partnership for the first wicket in just four overs. Mohammad Hasnain gave Pakistan their first success with Hales wicket on the first delivery of the innings’ fourth over. England lost Salt to an unfortunate runout in the same over and the hosts were back in the game.
But veteran batter Malan and in-form youngster Harry Brook scored an unbeaten 108-run partnership for the fourth wicket to guide England to a big 209/3 in 20 overs. Malan remained unbeaten on 78 runs off 47 balls and Brook scored 46 runs off 29 balls. For Pakistan, Hasnain was the only wicket-taker who conceded 32 runs in his four-over spell.
Chris Woakes and David Willey restrict Pakistan on just 142/8
While chasing, Pakistan lost their openers and best hope Babar and Rizwan within the first eight balls of the innings. The star pacer Chris Woakes dismissed Babar in the first over and Reece Topley bowled out Rizwan in the next over to ensure England’s early win.
Shan Masood smashed 56 off 43 in his effort to reach the target but other batters failed to provide him support from the other end. Pakistan managed to score only 142/8 in 20 overs as the visitors pulled off a big 67-run win. Woakes proved the best bowler for England with three wickets for 26 and David Willey two for 22. Malan won the player of the match award for his 76-run knock and Brook won the player of series award.
