Dubai: A new-look England beat clumsy Pakistan by 14 runs in the first Twenty20 international to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series in Dubai yesterday.
England scored a challenging 160-5 in their 20 overs with Sam Billings hitting a maiden half century before Pakistan were bowled out for 146 off the last ball in another rollercoaster batting display at Dubai stadium.
It was an impressive performance by England considering they rested master blaster Jos Buttler and dependable Joe Root, opting instead to give new players a chance.
Sohail Tanvir, who topscored with 25 not out, added 25 for the eighth wicket with Anwar Ali (20) and 45 for the ninth with Wahab Riaz (21) to give England a scare but 20 runs off the last over proved too much for Pakistan’s tail.
With a modest eight runs an over chase Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals after losing Sarfraz Ahmed (one) and Mohammad Hafeez for seven.
Raffatullah Mohamand made 16 and Mohammad Rizwan six.
Umar Akmal (19) and Sohaib Maqsood (24) took the total to 74 when Umar was run out in a most bizzare fashion.
Umar’s miscued shot was well fielded by Adil Rashid as both batsmen ended at the non-striker’s end in an attempt to take a single.
Pakistan also lost skipper Shahid Afridi for a second-ball duck and Maqsood stumped – three wickets falling off six balls with the addition of just one run.
Pacemen Liam Plunkett (3-21) and Reece Topley (3-24) shared the bowling honours for England.
Billings (53) and Eoin Morgan (45 not out) lifted England with a 65-run partnership for the fifth wicket to help their team score 59 off the last five overs.