ENG vs PAK: 3rd T20I – Pakistan clinch last-over thriller to finish on level terms
Pakistan registered their maiden victory on this tour of England in their last appearance. The final T20I of the series went down to the wire with England needing six runs off the last ball to win the game. However, the visitors held their nerve to complete the three-match series on 1-1 each as they won by five runs. Mohammad Hafeez was named player of the match and player of the series for his two tremendous knocks. Here’s how the game panned out.
Haider Ali grabs the opportunity
After facing a loss in the second T20I, Pakistan drafted in 19-year old batsman Haider Ali who had impressed with his power-hitting in the recent Pakistan Super League. Coming out to bat in the second over after losing the opening batsman Fakhar Zaman, Ali began in an attacking way. Clean swings with glorious bat-flow stood out as the youngster raced to his maiden fifty. He eventually fell for 54 runs from 33 balls with five fours and two sixes.
Brutal Hafeez
Back to back 50s!
Well played @MHafeez22 ?#ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/rYq5CaLYvK
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 1, 2020
Batting in a manner befitting of T20 cricket, Hafeez was at his attacking best in this series. Following his 69 off 33 balls from the previous outing, the right-hand batsman continued in the same vein. Hafeez remained not out in this innings. By the time Pakistan posted 190/4 in their 20 overs, Hafeez finished on 86 not out from just 52 balls including 4 fours and 6 sixes. Chris Jordan was the stand out bowler for England with 2/29 in his four overs.
Banton gets going
Another day, another @tbanton18 reverse sweep ?
Live clips: https://t.co/w2Hf8Th8EH#ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/lVc0oGfOyI
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 1, 2020
Tom Banton, opening the innings alongside Jonny Bairstow, confirmed his bid for batting in the same position with another sparkling knock. While Pakistani bowlers kept taking wickets at the other end, Banton not only remained firm at the crease but also added quick runs. His 46 runs came off just 31 balls with 8 fours. At the fall of his wicket, England were still 122 runs short of the target with 73 balls remaining in their account.
Moeen Ali ensures last over finish
The all-rounder had been out of sorts in the last few matches, but Ali stormed back in a ferocious manner in the final T20. His exceptional hitting came to the fore in the 16th over of the match. In this over delivered by Pakistan’s legspinner Shadab Khan, the left-hand batsman smashed three sixes in four balls.
Tight finish on the cards ?
Live clips: https://t.co/w2Hf8Th8EH#ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/bOZ2bsQSYP
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 1, 2020
England needed 20 runs from the last two overs when Wahab Riaz stepped up to the plate. Playing his first game on the tour, Riaz not only conceded only three runs but also dismissed Ali who fell for 61 off 33 balls (4 fours, 4 sixes). Pakistan must have felt secure with England needing 12 runs off the last two balls. However, Tom Curran smashed a six to keep the hopes alive. Haris Rauf delivered an outside off-stump yorker on the last ball to clinch the five-run victory.
