Another Ordinary Powerplay for Pakistan
It looked like another slow track in Lahore as Pakistani openers struggled for timing earlier on in the innings. Only 5 runs came off the first 2 overs. The debutant M. Haris tried to be cheeky and was caught at 3rd man in the third over. Shan Masood followed him after being dismissed for a two-ball duck in the next over.
Babar started to find the middle of the bat as Pakistan started a recovery. On a sluggish surface, the powerplay concluded with 40 runs on the board.
A Fine Recovery In the Middle Overs
Babar and Haider tried to cut loose after the field restrictions were lifted. Just when Haider started to look dangerous, he mistimed a hook straight to the fielder. Iftikhar joined Babar, and the game was hanging in the balance as the scorecard read 70 for 3 after 10 overs.
Once Iftikhar settled in, he and Babar started to score runs freely. England’s ace bowler in the middle overs – Adil Rashid – was dealt with no respect by Iftikhar as he smashed him for two 6s and a 4 during his spell. Rash conceded 38 runs off his 4-over quota. Babar brought up his half-century of 41 balls in the 14th over.
Iftikhar fell in the next over to allow England an opportunity of bringing themselves back in the game. But, he had done his job with a fine cameo of 31 off 21.
Babar Provided A Strong Finish
Pakistan was placed comfortably at 127 for 4 after 16 overs. For the first time in a while, Pakistan’s batting didn’t get stuck in the middle overs. They scored 87 runs from overs 7 to 17 with the loss of just 2 wickets.
During the next 3 overs, English bowlers made it tough for Pakistani batters to take off. Only 23 runs came in those overs, and Pakistan looked like falling short of a substantial 1st innings total. Then, Babar and Nawaz hammered Topley for a 19-run final over. They finished at 169 for 6 as Babar played a scintillating knock of 87* on just 59 deliveries.
A Brutal Assault By the English Openers
In response, English openers came out with all guns blazing. Pakistan’s bowlers were blunted as England got to 50 runs at the end of the 3rd over. Babar was forced to go out of the box, and he threw the ball to Shadab.
The vice-captain didn’t disappoint the skipper as he struck gold to send Hales back to the dressing room. But that didn’t stem the flow of runs as Salt kept smashing the ball to all corners of the ground. England was 102 for 1 after 7 overs, and it seemed like the game had already gone out of Pakistan’s hands.
Salt Powered England To An Easy Win
Shadab got Malan plumb in front in the 10th over. But, England had everything under control as only 41 runs were required off the last 10 overs.
Since then, the Pakistan team was just going through the motions as England eased their way towards the victory. Phil Salt’s blazing knock of 87* off 41 balls gave England a comfortable win with 8 wickets and 33 deliveries to spare.
What’s Coming Up Next?
After a dominating display from England in the 6th T20I, all eyes are on the last game of the 7-match T20I series. The series is level 3–3, and Lahore will host the final on Sunday.
