Ben Duckett (43 off 22 balls) comes up for a quick word. Says that it's all about the match-ups and targeting the leg spinner and the left-arm spinner was his job. Shares that the ball is misbehaving and staying low for the pacers. Feels that picking wickets at regular intervals will be the key on this surface.
Pakistan won't want to look back on their effort on the field. Apart from Haris Rauf, every bowler struggled for control. The pitch was supposed to be a good one for the spinners but Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Qadir spent 81 runs together. England have included Liam Dawson in place of a pacer and let's see how this plan to go with three tweakers works for the visiting team. Stay tuned for their reply...Â
We can call it a brave batting show by England. They were ready to take the risk right from the beginning, and it paid off in the Powerplay. There was a pattern in England losing their wickets initially. They lost the first two in the last over of the Powerplay, and then after a handy partnership, they lost both Ben Duckett and Philip Salt in the space of 7 balls. That didn't hamper their momentum though. The English team maintained a great tempo and everyone was in sync to deliver the same.
Moeen Ali finished things with a flurry, two biggies to take England to 199 and he completed his fifty off just 23 balls. Just a reminder, the English skipper was dropped on 32 by Khushdil Shah. Pakistan will be regretting the way they bowled and fielded this evening. Babar Azam wanted to restrict England around 160 but his bowlers failed in executing the plans and now they have a big task to chase a target of 200.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, ! Over the fence again! ENGLAND END WITH 199! This is shorter and on middle, Ali pulls it and it sails over the mid-wicket fence for another big one. A huge last over to end the innings! 19 from it.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, ! BANG! That is well over the fence! This is right in the slot! Fuller and on middle, Ali heaves it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Mohammad Hasnain to Sam Curran, Just another one! On middle, this is pulled down to long on for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Sam Curran, Close! Curran looks to play the paddle scoop again, not a bad idea as the short fine leg is up. It is a slower one on off, Curran misses and it just goes over the off pole.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, Well bowled! Just a single from the freebie! A yorker outside off, it is carved out to deep point for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, Two more and it is a NO BALL TOO! It just keeps getting worse for Pakistan! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled, it is more off the splice again towards mid on for two. Free Hit coming up.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, Two! Shorter and on middle, Ali looks to pull, but it goes off the splice of the bat towards the long on fielder who runs to his right and pushes it back in. Two taken.
Mohammad Hasnain to bowl the final over. Can England breach the 200-run mark?
Haris Rauf to Sam Curran, Two to end! A full toss outside off, Curran waits and then carves it past point. The fielder in the deep runs to his right, slides and keeps it down to two.
Haris Rauf to Sam Curran, Another dot! Curran makes room. He is followed by Rauf with a short one and on the body. Curran looks to upper-cut it but misses.
Haris Rauf to Moeen Ali, Just the one! Shorter and outside off, Ali slaps it through covers for one.
Haris Rauf to Moeen Ali, Well bowled! A slower one, shorter and outside off. Moeen looks to slap it but misses.
Haris Rauf to Sam Curran, Length and on off, Curran plays it towards covers and takes one.
Haris Rauf to Sam Curran, ! Innovation at its best! Seen that a lot from England today. Sam Curran shapes up for the paddle scoop. He manages to hit it over short fine leg and it lands just inside the ropes.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, ! Just helps it on its way! These runs will hurt Khushdil Shah! On the pads, Ali just helps it on its way to the fine leg fence. 12 from the over.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Sam Curran, A yorker on off, Curran jams it out towards point and takes one.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, ! Really not sure what is wrong with Pakistan! They have been very poor on the field in the last few games. This is a dolly and it is offered by Moeen. That should have been taken. A slower short one. Moeen steps out and pulls but more off the toe end. It goes straight to the man at deep mid-wicket. Khushdil Shah spills it. This could prove costly.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, ! Finds the gap brilliantly! Fuller and on the pads, this is whipped through mid-wicket. The man in the deep runs to his left, and dives but can't stop it.Â
Shahnawaz Dahani to Sam Curran, Just another one! Shorter and outside off, Curran guides it towards point and takes one.
Sam Curran arrives. The stage is set for him to go on the attack straight away. Also, Shahnawaz Dahani to steam in for his final over.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, A low full toss on middle, Ali jams it out towards cover for one. Singles won't harm Pakistan.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, ! TIMBER! Not sure why Brook wanted to try that when he was playing the orthodox shots so well. A slower one on middle, on a good length, Brook looks to play the paddle scoop. He is through the shot early and it hits the stumps. End of a really good knock though from Harry Brook. He probably has done his job but had he stayed in there, 200 would have been easily possible.
Haris Rauf to Moeen Ali, A full toss, this is guided through point for one.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, ! Sails over the fence! This stand is taking the game away! Short and on the body, Brook swivels and pulls it over the fine leg fence.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, On the pad, Brook looks to flick, he gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes down to fine leg for one.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, A slower one, angled into the body of Brook. He swings but gets an inside edge onto the pads. Dot. Need more of these.
Haris Rauf is back to bowl at the death. 2-0-13-1 are his figures so far.
Haris Rauf to Moeen Ali, That was quick! Shorter and on middle, this one zips through. Ali mistimes the pull down to long on for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Harry Brook, ! Over the fence! That is magical! Just brilliant! Fuller and on off, Brook makes room, this is a half volley. He lofts it over the long off fence for a biggie. Wonderful shot. Another huge over comes to an end. England will now be eyeing 200.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, A yorker now on middle, Moeen jams it out towards covers for one. Not sure why more of these are not bowled.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, ! In the gap again! Shorter and on middle, Moeen pulls it through square leg, away from the fielder and it races away to the fence.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, Brilliant shot again! On off, this is timed wonderfully through covers for two.
Mohammad Hasnain to Harry Brook, Brook makes room and Mohammad Hasnain follows him. This is worked through square leg for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Harry Brook, ! Nice and fine! Poor delivery to begin with! On the pads, Brooks works it fine and this one races away to the fence. Boundaries flowing now.
Mohammad Hasnain is back on.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, ! Two in a row! Moeen Ali is on fire here! End of a huge over and now 180 looks well and truly possible! On middle. Moeen plays the slog sweep again, clears the mid-wicket fence once more. 19 from the over!
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, ! That is a massive hit! Wonderful. It made a cracking sound off the bat! On middle, the slog sweep is out and it sails over the mid-wicket fence. Qadir has been very expensive today.
Usman Qadir to Harry Brook, Brook comes down the track, gets a little too close to the pitch of the ball, it goes towards long on for one.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, Fuller and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, Moeen probably did not pick that one! This is flatter and outside off, it turns back in. Moeen looks to cut but misses. Too close to play that shot.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, ! Finds the gap nicely! Shorter and outside off, this is pushed past cover. The fielder dives over the ball and it goes into the fence.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, WIDE! The googly but it is well wide outside off. Left alone.
Change in bowling. Usman Qadir to bowl his final over. None for 22 so far.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, A dot to end but the damage was done earlier on! Shorter and outside off, extra bounce, a real effort ball. Brook looks to cut but is beaten.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, Bonus runs! Down the leg side. Ali lets it be. Rizwan fumbles. A run taken. Two wides!
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, Back of a length and on off, Brook guides it down to third man and takes one.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, This lands short! Brook steps out, Dahani bowls a length ball on off. Brook hits it on the bounce to mid off.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, ! Over the fence! This guy Brook is a real talent! Dahani goes short and on the body, Brook pulls and it sails over the square leg fence. A welcome biggie!
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, Two more! Well fielded! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep runs to his left and pushes it back in. They take it upstairs to check but Haider Ali has done fine.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, Shout for a caught behind and it has been referred after the umpire turns down the appeal! A review more in hope we believe! On the pads, Brook looks to flick but misses. Rizwan takes it with an acrobatic dive to his left. Shahnawaz Dahani appeals but he is the only one doing so. He does convince his skipper to take the review and Azam does but to no avail. That is off the thigh pad!
Shahnawaz Dahani is back into the attack. 2 for 14 in his 2 overs so far.
Mohammad Nawaz to Harry Brook, Fuller and on middle, Harry pushes it down to long on and keeps strike with a run. 4-0-40-1 - end of an expensive evening for Mohammad Nawaz.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Moeen Ali, Flatter and on off, Moeen forces it down to long on and opens his account with a single.
Mohammad Nawaz to Moeen Ali, Shortish and close to off, Moeen stands back to cut but gets a bottom edge onto the pitch.
Skipper Moeen Ali walks in next.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! BOWLED 'EM! Smart from Nawaz. He pulls his length back a shade and delivers it a bit slower through the air around off. Ben Duckett goes down and across to play the sweep shot but for once, he has failed to middle this evening. It goes past his body and knocks down the off pole. A very impressive knock from Ben comes to an end. A good phase of play for Pakistan, they have removed both the set batters now.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! This is unbelievable cricket from Duckett. He is toying with the bowler and the fielder. Loopy delivery, a low full toss around off, Ben Duckett goes down and paddles it past short fine leg for a boundary.
Mohammad Nawaz to Harry Brook, Flatter and around off, Brook comes down the track and knocks it down to long on for a run.
Change in bowling. Mohammad Nawaz to bowl out. He has gone for 33 runs so far.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, Brook is off the mark! Length and on off, this is guided down to third man for one.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, Solid from Brook! On a length and around off, Brook defends it to mid off.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, ! TIMBER! Beaten for pace there! Rauf returns and strikes for his captain! Breaks the stand that was worrying Pakistan! The last delivery was a slower one and this one is bowled at 148 kph. This is on middle, it is the seam-up ball. Salt may not have been expecting it. He is late into the heave across the line. The ball sneaks through and hits the stumps. Can Pakistan now stem the run-flow?
Harry Brook, fresh from a good knock, walks in next.Â
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, Swing and a miss! Shorter and outside off, slower in pace at 127 kph, Salt walks across and looks to pull but this one stays low, he misses.
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, Shorter and on middle, Salt pulls, it is in the gap in the mid-wicket region, two taken.
Change in bowling with the current partnership growing. Haris Rauf comes back into the attack. His first over went for 10 overs.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Another single to end as this is pushed to long on. A very expensive over, 13 from it.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, A single! Duckett steps out, does not get to the pitch of the ball. He mistimes it down to long on for one. The 50-run stand comes up.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, ! Make that two boundaries in a row! This is even better! Yet another sweep shot, this time it is dragged from outside off and to the right of the deep mid-wicket fielder. This is some knock from the left-hander.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, ! That has been nailed! Yet again the sweep shot is played to great use! On middle, fuller in length, this is swept hard through square leg and into the fence.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, Two more! Shorter and outside off, this is slapped past covers for two.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.
Drinks break. Excellent recovery from England after a couple of setbacks in the sixth over. Ben Duckett has walked in with positive intent and is proving his mettle against the spinners. Philip Salt has not looked at his usual best yet but he can change gears anytime, we know that. The last over fetched them 14 overs and the tourists will be hoping to take that momentum forward. Pakistan have blown hot and cold so far on the field. They need to be more disciplined in the next 10 overs.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, On middle, Salt works it towards mid-wicket and gives the strike to Duckett who is playing the spinners really well.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! Excellent stroke! End of a big over for England. One they needed to win the momentum back! On middle, Duckett plays the reverse sweep, he hits it over covers and finds the fence.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, Two more! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled hard to the left of deep mid-wicket. Another two. Duckett is playing really well here.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, Two more! Good clever batting. Just using the pace again. On middle, Duckett plays the paddle scoop, it races behind the keeper. The fielder from short third man chases it down. Two.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled down to long on for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, Well bowled! A lot slower and on middle, Duckett looks to sweep but it goes off the gloves towards short fine leg for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! Finds the gap this time! On middle, Duckett sweeps it across the line and it comes more from the top half of his blade. The ball races through square leg and finds the fence. A good way to start the over and a welcome one as things had gotten quiet.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Now this one stays low! Shorter and outside off, skids through. Salt looks to cut but misses.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, Now the reverse sweep from Duckett, it is played behind point but there is a fielder in the deep. Only one.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, Two more! On middle, Duckett sweeps, it goes between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for two.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, This one is tossed up outside off, Duckett looks to sweep but misses. Extra bounce there. The wicket has started to play tricks now.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Half an appeal for caught behind but no review taken! This is tossed up around off, it lands and turns away. Salt looks to go big over mid-wicket but misses. Rizwan starts appealing but the umpire shakes his head. No edge on that.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! That is superb batting! Just used the pace of the bowler and spoils the over on the last ball! This is fired on middle, Duckett plays the paddle scoop and it goes very fine on the leg side for a boundary.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, On middle, Salt pulls it through square leg for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Innovation! The reverse sweep comes out, Salt manages to drag it from around leg and through point for two.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Not a good idea to play on the back foot here and Salt is doing that. He makes room, this is slightly fuller, Salt plays it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, Fires it on the pads, Duckett works it through square leg for one more.
Mohammad Nawaz is back on. His first over went for 10 runs.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Shorter and on off, Salt slaps it through covers for one.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, On middle, this is pulled down to long on for one. A tidy start by Usman Qadir!
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Very full and outside off, Salt jams it out towards point.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, On the pads, this is worked through square leg for a single.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, Flatter and on middle, this one turns back in. It is pushed back to the bowler.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, On off, shorter again, this is slapped down to long off for one.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Fumble in the field and two more! Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers. The fielder in the deep fumbles, two taken. Fifty up for England.
The field restriction is relaxed now. Here comes the leggie - Usman Qadir.Â
Shahnawaz Dahani to Ben Duckett, ! Pulled away! Short and on the pads, this one stays low. Ben Duckett pulls it behind square on the leg side, he adjusted well there and bags a boundary. End of the Powerplay, it's quite an action-packed one. 48 runs and two wickets from it.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Ben Duckett, Good length and on off, pushed to cover.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Ben Duckett, Two more! On middle, Duckett works it through mid-wicket and takes two.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Ben Duckett, Negotiated well. Fuller and on middle, this is pushed to mid on.
Ben Duckett to face the hat-trick ball.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Dawid Malan, ! Bowled around his legs and Pakistan have two in two! All of a sudden, England are in trouble now! This is full and on the pads at 143 clicks, Malan walks across, he walks a little too across actually and looks to flick. He misses and the leg stump is disturbed. Shahnawaz Dahani is elated and so are the fans here. They were chanting his name when he came on to bowl and he delivered. A duck for Malan.
Dawid Malan is the number 3 batter.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, ! TIMBER! Finally, Hales' luck runs out. Pakistan get the wicket they needed. The star from the first game walks back. Hales probably misreads the length here. This is fractionally short, it is a slower one at 115 kph and also stays low. Hales looks to pull but it does not bounce as much as he thought it would. It goes through and clips the bails. Shahnawaz Dahani is up and running in celebration.
Haris Rauf to Alex Hales, A single to end! Despite the two dots, 10 from the over. A full toss on middle, this is mistimed over the bowler's head and the mid on fielder mops it up.
Shahnawaz Dahani returns to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.
Haris Rauf to Alex Hales, ! Up and over! Picked his spot well! Shorter and outside off, Hales makes room and slaps it over point for a boundary. Yet again, the shot which releases the pressure comes.
Haris Rauf to Alex Hales, Almost! Luck really favouring the two English batters at the moment! Shorter and another slower one. This one stays low too. Hales looks to pull but misses. It goes just past the off pole.
Haris Rauf to Alex Hales, Swing and a miss! A good slower one, shorter and outside off, stays low. Hales looks to pull but misses.
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, Just the one as this goes to the fielder which was pushed back now! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, ! Just over and into the fence! Not timed again but hit well enough! Shorter and on middle, Salt looks to pull, it goes off the splice over mid-wicket. Iftikhar Ahmed runs after it but finishes second best. A boundary to begin the over. Pressure on Rauf.
More pace and serious pace to be precise. Here comes Haris Rauf.Â
Shahnawaz Dahani to Philip Salt, A quick run to end! Runs continue to come for England! Fuller and on off, this is pushed to mid off for one.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, That was a wild throw! Fuller and on middle, Hales drives it back towards the bowler. He sticks his right leg out and deflects it towards mid on. Hales is off but Salt is late in taking off. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but his throw almost hits Salt.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, ! EDGY AGAIN! Everything going England's way at the moment! Shorter and outside off, Hales swings and it goes off the outside edge, fine on the off side and into the third man fence again. Frustrating for Pakistan.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, OUCH! That might have hurt! Shorter and on middle, Hales looks to pull but misses to get hit near the box.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Philip Salt, This seems like a really good wicket! Length and on off, Salt pushes it to mid off, he hit that on the up and takes one. The ball is racing off the bat.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, Good run! Length and on off, this is pushed towards covers for one.
Will Mohammad Nawaz bowl another over in the Powerplay? The answer is no for now. Shahnawaz Dahani is introduced into the attack.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, Mix-up but no harm is done! End of another good over for England. They are off to a good start! On the pads, this is worked to short fine. Salt wants a run but Hales is late in taking off. The shy is at the keeper's end but the fielder misses.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, ! SAILS OVER THE FENCE! Fortunate boundary but Hales really won't mind. 10 from the last two balls. Length and outside off, Hales throws his bat at it, and the ball flies off the outside edge, over short third man and over the fence.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, ! Hales gets the boundary which releases the pressure that was building! Hales this time walks across and this is angled into his body. He tucks it past short fine leg and it races away to the fence.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, A crowd catch there! Full and outside off, Hales yet again stays leg side and has to reach out for it, it goes off the bottom edge and on the bounce to the keeper. Something has to give here. Three dots in a row.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, Good stuff from Mohammad Hasnain! Length and on off, this is guided to point.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, Hales makes a lot of room and Mohammad Hasnain cleverly bowls it full and wide outside off. Hales fails to reach it.
Mohammad Nawaz to Alex Hales, Just short! Hales is playing with fire here! Another one on the stumps, Hales hits it uppishly towards mid on but it lands just short. The fielder makes a half-stop. A run is taken. A good second over for England.
Mohammad Nawaz to Alex Hales, Just over the fielder, again! Flatter and on the stumps, Hales looks to go over mid on. He does not time it that well but hits it well enough to clear the in-ring fielder who runs back, slides and saves two for his side.
Mohammad Nawaz to Alex Hales, That stayed a little low! On middle, this is pushed to mid on.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, On the stumps, Salt pushes it down to long off for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Hit firmly but to the fielder! Shorter and on middle, Salt makes room and slaps it but to the cover fielder.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, ! JUST OVER! That is a brave shot with long off back! Also, Haris Rauf seemed to have jumped earlier. Salt makes room, this is tossed up on off, he lifts it to the left of Rauf who moves there near the boundary line and leaps but it goes over. JUST OVER! First biggie of the game and an excellent start to this over.
Spin from the other end. Mohammad Nawaz will roll his arm.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, He does, so apart from the first ball, that was a good over, it was bowled with pace and good lines and lengths too. On middle, this is pushed to mid on.
Mohammad Hasnain to Philip Salt, That has flown off the outside edge! Well fielded! Shorter and outside off, Salt slashes at it, and it goes off the outside edge down to third man. Usman Qadir moves to his right and stops it well. Just the one. Can Hasnain end the over well now?
Mohammad Hasnain to Philip Salt, Hits the bat hard! On a length and around off, Salt looks to drive but it hits the splice and rolls to covers. He looks for a run but it is not on.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, Hales is now off the mark! Outside off, a little bit of shape away. Hales plays it with the swing down past backward point for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, That is a beauty! Good outswinger, it starts on off and shapes away. Hales pokes at it with no foot movement, he is beaten.
Mohammad Hasnain to Philip Salt, Salt misses out there! Mohammad Hasnain is lucky that did not go to the boundary! England though are underway and so is Salt. On the pads, Salt flicks but straight to short fine leg. A little to the left or the right of Shahnawaz Dahani and it would have been a boundary.
All in readiness here in Karachi. The men concerned are out in the middle. Alex Hales and Philip Salt are the English openers. Mohammad Hasnain is getting ready to serve the first over. One slip in place. Here we go...
England (Playing XI) - Philip Salt (WK), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali (C), Sam Curran, David Willey, Luke Wood, Liam Dawson (In for Richard Gleeson), Adil Rashid.
Pakistan (Playing XI) - Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Haider Ali, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Qadir, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain (In for Naseem Shah), Shahnawaz Dahani.
Toss - The coin falls in favour of Moeen Ali and ENGLAND ELECT TO BAT FIRST!
On the other hand, England will be delighted with their performance in the first game. They had far too many positives. Firstly, how well Moeen Ali led his side, then the adaptability shown by the bowlers and the two most prominent were probably the knock from Hales and Brooks. They would head into this game with a lot of confidence and a lot of momentum. Can they repeat their performance and make it 2-0? We will find out soon.
Ben Duckett (43 off 22 balls) comes up for a quick word. Says that it's all about the match-ups and targeting the leg spinner and the left-arm spinner was his job. Shares that the ball is misbehaving and staying low for the pacers. Feels that picking wickets at regular intervals will be the key on this surface.
Pakistan won't want to look back on their effort on the field. Apart from Haris Rauf, every bowler struggled for control. The pitch was supposed to be a good one for the spinners but Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Qadir spent 81 runs together. England have included Liam Dawson in place of a pacer and let's see how this plan to go with three tweakers works for the visiting team. Stay tuned for their reply...Â
We can call it a brave batting show by England. They were ready to take the risk right from the beginning, and it paid off in the Powerplay. There was a pattern in England losing their wickets initially. They lost the first two in the last over of the Powerplay, and then after a handy partnership, they lost both Ben Duckett and Philip Salt in the space of 7 balls. That didn't hamper their momentum though. The English team maintained a great tempo and everyone was in sync to deliver the same.
Moeen Ali finished things with a flurry, two biggies to take England to 199 and he completed his fifty off just 23 balls. Just a reminder, the English skipper was dropped on 32 by Khushdil Shah. Pakistan will be regretting the way they bowled and fielded this evening. Babar Azam wanted to restrict England around 160 but his bowlers failed in executing the plans and now they have a big task to chase a target of 200.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, ! Over the fence again! ENGLAND END WITH 199! This is shorter and on middle, Ali pulls it and it sails over the mid-wicket fence for another big one. A huge last over to end the innings! 19 from it.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, ! BANG! That is well over the fence! This is right in the slot! Fuller and on middle, Ali heaves it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Mohammad Hasnain to Sam Curran, Just another one! On middle, this is pulled down to long on for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Sam Curran, Close! Curran looks to play the paddle scoop again, not a bad idea as the short fine leg is up. It is a slower one on off, Curran misses and it just goes over the off pole.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, Well bowled! Just a single from the freebie! A yorker outside off, it is carved out to deep point for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, Two more and it is a NO BALL TOO! It just keeps getting worse for Pakistan! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled, it is more off the splice again towards mid on for two. Free Hit coming up.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, Two! Shorter and on middle, Ali looks to pull, but it goes off the splice of the bat towards the long on fielder who runs to his right and pushes it back in. Two taken.
Mohammad Hasnain to bowl the final over. Can England breach the 200-run mark?
Haris Rauf to Sam Curran, Two to end! A full toss outside off, Curran waits and then carves it past point. The fielder in the deep runs to his right, slides and keeps it down to two.
Haris Rauf to Sam Curran, Another dot! Curran makes room. He is followed by Rauf with a short one and on the body. Curran looks to upper-cut it but misses.
Haris Rauf to Moeen Ali, Just the one! Shorter and outside off, Ali slaps it through covers for one.
Haris Rauf to Moeen Ali, Well bowled! A slower one, shorter and outside off. Moeen looks to slap it but misses.
Haris Rauf to Sam Curran, Length and on off, Curran plays it towards covers and takes one.
Haris Rauf to Sam Curran, ! Innovation at its best! Seen that a lot from England today. Sam Curran shapes up for the paddle scoop. He manages to hit it over short fine leg and it lands just inside the ropes.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, ! Just helps it on its way! These runs will hurt Khushdil Shah! On the pads, Ali just helps it on its way to the fine leg fence. 12 from the over.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Sam Curran, A yorker on off, Curran jams it out towards point and takes one.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, ! Really not sure what is wrong with Pakistan! They have been very poor on the field in the last few games. This is a dolly and it is offered by Moeen. That should have been taken. A slower short one. Moeen steps out and pulls but more off the toe end. It goes straight to the man at deep mid-wicket. Khushdil Shah spills it. This could prove costly.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, ! Finds the gap brilliantly! Fuller and on the pads, this is whipped through mid-wicket. The man in the deep runs to his left, and dives but can't stop it.Â
Shahnawaz Dahani to Sam Curran, Just another one! Shorter and outside off, Curran guides it towards point and takes one.
Sam Curran arrives. The stage is set for him to go on the attack straight away. Also, Shahnawaz Dahani to steam in for his final over.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, A low full toss on middle, Ali jams it out towards cover for one. Singles won't harm Pakistan.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, ! TIMBER! Not sure why Brook wanted to try that when he was playing the orthodox shots so well. A slower one on middle, on a good length, Brook looks to play the paddle scoop. He is through the shot early and it hits the stumps. End of a really good knock though from Harry Brook. He probably has done his job but had he stayed in there, 200 would have been easily possible.
Haris Rauf to Moeen Ali, A full toss, this is guided through point for one.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, ! Sails over the fence! This stand is taking the game away! Short and on the body, Brook swivels and pulls it over the fine leg fence.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, On the pad, Brook looks to flick, he gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes down to fine leg for one.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, A slower one, angled into the body of Brook. He swings but gets an inside edge onto the pads. Dot. Need more of these.
Haris Rauf is back to bowl at the death. 2-0-13-1 are his figures so far.
Haris Rauf to Moeen Ali, That was quick! Shorter and on middle, this one zips through. Ali mistimes the pull down to long on for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Harry Brook, ! Over the fence! That is magical! Just brilliant! Fuller and on off, Brook makes room, this is a half volley. He lofts it over the long off fence for a biggie. Wonderful shot. Another huge over comes to an end. England will now be eyeing 200.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, A yorker now on middle, Moeen jams it out towards covers for one. Not sure why more of these are not bowled.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, ! In the gap again! Shorter and on middle, Moeen pulls it through square leg, away from the fielder and it races away to the fence.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, Brilliant shot again! On off, this is timed wonderfully through covers for two.
Mohammad Hasnain to Harry Brook, Brook makes room and Mohammad Hasnain follows him. This is worked through square leg for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Harry Brook, ! Nice and fine! Poor delivery to begin with! On the pads, Brooks works it fine and this one races away to the fence. Boundaries flowing now.
Mohammad Hasnain is back on.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, ! Two in a row! Moeen Ali is on fire here! End of a huge over and now 180 looks well and truly possible! On middle. Moeen plays the slog sweep again, clears the mid-wicket fence once more. 19 from the over!
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, ! That is a massive hit! Wonderful. It made a cracking sound off the bat! On middle, the slog sweep is out and it sails over the mid-wicket fence. Qadir has been very expensive today.
Usman Qadir to Harry Brook, Brook comes down the track, gets a little too close to the pitch of the ball, it goes towards long on for one.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, Fuller and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, Moeen probably did not pick that one! This is flatter and outside off, it turns back in. Moeen looks to cut but misses. Too close to play that shot.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, ! Finds the gap nicely! Shorter and outside off, this is pushed past cover. The fielder dives over the ball and it goes into the fence.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, WIDE! The googly but it is well wide outside off. Left alone.
Change in bowling. Usman Qadir to bowl his final over. None for 22 so far.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, A dot to end but the damage was done earlier on! Shorter and outside off, extra bounce, a real effort ball. Brook looks to cut but is beaten.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, Bonus runs! Down the leg side. Ali lets it be. Rizwan fumbles. A run taken. Two wides!
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, Back of a length and on off, Brook guides it down to third man and takes one.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, This lands short! Brook steps out, Dahani bowls a length ball on off. Brook hits it on the bounce to mid off.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, ! Over the fence! This guy Brook is a real talent! Dahani goes short and on the body, Brook pulls and it sails over the square leg fence. A welcome biggie!
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, Two more! Well fielded! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep runs to his left and pushes it back in. They take it upstairs to check but Haider Ali has done fine.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, Shout for a caught behind and it has been referred after the umpire turns down the appeal! A review more in hope we believe! On the pads, Brook looks to flick but misses. Rizwan takes it with an acrobatic dive to his left. Shahnawaz Dahani appeals but he is the only one doing so. He does convince his skipper to take the review and Azam does but to no avail. That is off the thigh pad!
Shahnawaz Dahani is back into the attack. 2 for 14 in his 2 overs so far.
Mohammad Nawaz to Harry Brook, Fuller and on middle, Harry pushes it down to long on and keeps strike with a run. 4-0-40-1 - end of an expensive evening for Mohammad Nawaz.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Moeen Ali, Flatter and on off, Moeen forces it down to long on and opens his account with a single.
Mohammad Nawaz to Moeen Ali, Shortish and close to off, Moeen stands back to cut but gets a bottom edge onto the pitch.
Skipper Moeen Ali walks in next.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! BOWLED 'EM! Smart from Nawaz. He pulls his length back a shade and delivers it a bit slower through the air around off. Ben Duckett goes down and across to play the sweep shot but for once, he has failed to middle this evening. It goes past his body and knocks down the off pole. A very impressive knock from Ben comes to an end. A good phase of play for Pakistan, they have removed both the set batters now.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! This is unbelievable cricket from Duckett. He is toying with the bowler and the fielder. Loopy delivery, a low full toss around off, Ben Duckett goes down and paddles it past short fine leg for a boundary.
Mohammad Nawaz to Harry Brook, Flatter and around off, Brook comes down the track and knocks it down to long on for a run.
Change in bowling. Mohammad Nawaz to bowl out. He has gone for 33 runs so far.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, Brook is off the mark! Length and on off, this is guided down to third man for one.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, Solid from Brook! On a length and around off, Brook defends it to mid off.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, ! TIMBER! Beaten for pace there! Rauf returns and strikes for his captain! Breaks the stand that was worrying Pakistan! The last delivery was a slower one and this one is bowled at 148 kph. This is on middle, it is the seam-up ball. Salt may not have been expecting it. He is late into the heave across the line. The ball sneaks through and hits the stumps. Can Pakistan now stem the run-flow?
Harry Brook, fresh from a good knock, walks in next.Â
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, Swing and a miss! Shorter and outside off, slower in pace at 127 kph, Salt walks across and looks to pull but this one stays low, he misses.
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, Shorter and on middle, Salt pulls, it is in the gap in the mid-wicket region, two taken.
Change in bowling with the current partnership growing. Haris Rauf comes back into the attack. His first over went for 10 overs.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Another single to end as this is pushed to long on. A very expensive over, 13 from it.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, A single! Duckett steps out, does not get to the pitch of the ball. He mistimes it down to long on for one. The 50-run stand comes up.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, ! Make that two boundaries in a row! This is even better! Yet another sweep shot, this time it is dragged from outside off and to the right of the deep mid-wicket fielder. This is some knock from the left-hander.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, ! That has been nailed! Yet again the sweep shot is played to great use! On middle, fuller in length, this is swept hard through square leg and into the fence.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, Two more! Shorter and outside off, this is slapped past covers for two.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.
Drinks break. Excellent recovery from England after a couple of setbacks in the sixth over. Ben Duckett has walked in with positive intent and is proving his mettle against the spinners. Philip Salt has not looked at his usual best yet but he can change gears anytime, we know that. The last over fetched them 14 overs and the tourists will be hoping to take that momentum forward. Pakistan have blown hot and cold so far on the field. They need to be more disciplined in the next 10 overs.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, On middle, Salt works it towards mid-wicket and gives the strike to Duckett who is playing the spinners really well.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! Excellent stroke! End of a big over for England. One they needed to win the momentum back! On middle, Duckett plays the reverse sweep, he hits it over covers and finds the fence.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, Two more! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled hard to the left of deep mid-wicket. Another two. Duckett is playing really well here.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, Two more! Good clever batting. Just using the pace again. On middle, Duckett plays the paddle scoop, it races behind the keeper. The fielder from short third man chases it down. Two.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled down to long on for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, Well bowled! A lot slower and on middle, Duckett looks to sweep but it goes off the gloves towards short fine leg for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! Finds the gap this time! On middle, Duckett sweeps it across the line and it comes more from the top half of his blade. The ball races through square leg and finds the fence. A good way to start the over and a welcome one as things had gotten quiet.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Now this one stays low! Shorter and outside off, skids through. Salt looks to cut but misses.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, Now the reverse sweep from Duckett, it is played behind point but there is a fielder in the deep. Only one.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, Two more! On middle, Duckett sweeps, it goes between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for two.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, This one is tossed up outside off, Duckett looks to sweep but misses. Extra bounce there. The wicket has started to play tricks now.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Half an appeal for caught behind but no review taken! This is tossed up around off, it lands and turns away. Salt looks to go big over mid-wicket but misses. Rizwan starts appealing but the umpire shakes his head. No edge on that.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! That is superb batting! Just used the pace of the bowler and spoils the over on the last ball! This is fired on middle, Duckett plays the paddle scoop and it goes very fine on the leg side for a boundary.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, On middle, Salt pulls it through square leg for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Innovation! The reverse sweep comes out, Salt manages to drag it from around leg and through point for two.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Not a good idea to play on the back foot here and Salt is doing that. He makes room, this is slightly fuller, Salt plays it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, Fires it on the pads, Duckett works it through square leg for one more.
Mohammad Nawaz is back on. His first over went for 10 runs.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Shorter and on off, Salt slaps it through covers for one.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, On middle, this is pulled down to long on for one. A tidy start by Usman Qadir!
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Very full and outside off, Salt jams it out towards point.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, On the pads, this is worked through square leg for a single.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, Flatter and on middle, this one turns back in. It is pushed back to the bowler.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, On off, shorter again, this is slapped down to long off for one.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Fumble in the field and two more! Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers. The fielder in the deep fumbles, two taken. Fifty up for England.
The field restriction is relaxed now. Here comes the leggie - Usman Qadir.Â
Shahnawaz Dahani to Ben Duckett, ! Pulled away! Short and on the pads, this one stays low. Ben Duckett pulls it behind square on the leg side, he adjusted well there and bags a boundary. End of the Powerplay, it's quite an action-packed one. 48 runs and two wickets from it.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Ben Duckett, Good length and on off, pushed to cover.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Ben Duckett, Two more! On middle, Duckett works it through mid-wicket and takes two.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Ben Duckett, Negotiated well. Fuller and on middle, this is pushed to mid on.
Ben Duckett to face the hat-trick ball.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Dawid Malan, ! Bowled around his legs and Pakistan have two in two! All of a sudden, England are in trouble now! This is full and on the pads at 143 clicks, Malan walks across, he walks a little too across actually and looks to flick. He misses and the leg stump is disturbed. Shahnawaz Dahani is elated and so are the fans here. They were chanting his name when he came on to bowl and he delivered. A duck for Malan.
Dawid Malan is the number 3 batter.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, ! TIMBER! Finally, Hales' luck runs out. Pakistan get the wicket they needed. The star from the first game walks back. Hales probably misreads the length here. This is fractionally short, it is a slower one at 115 kph and also stays low. Hales looks to pull but it does not bounce as much as he thought it would. It goes through and clips the bails. Shahnawaz Dahani is up and running in celebration.
Haris Rauf to Alex Hales, A single to end! Despite the two dots, 10 from the over. A full toss on middle, this is mistimed over the bowler's head and the mid on fielder mops it up.
Shahnawaz Dahani returns to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.
Haris Rauf to Alex Hales, ! Up and over! Picked his spot well! Shorter and outside off, Hales makes room and slaps it over point for a boundary. Yet again, the shot which releases the pressure comes.
Haris Rauf to Alex Hales, Almost! Luck really favouring the two English batters at the moment! Shorter and another slower one. This one stays low too. Hales looks to pull but misses. It goes just past the off pole.
Haris Rauf to Alex Hales, Swing and a miss! A good slower one, shorter and outside off, stays low. Hales looks to pull but misses.
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, Just the one as this goes to the fielder which was pushed back now! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, ! Just over and into the fence! Not timed again but hit well enough! Shorter and on middle, Salt looks to pull, it goes off the splice over mid-wicket. Iftikhar Ahmed runs after it but finishes second best. A boundary to begin the over. Pressure on Rauf.
More pace and serious pace to be precise. Here comes Haris Rauf.Â
Shahnawaz Dahani to Philip Salt, A quick run to end! Runs continue to come for England! Fuller and on off, this is pushed to mid off for one.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, That was a wild throw! Fuller and on middle, Hales drives it back towards the bowler. He sticks his right leg out and deflects it towards mid on. Hales is off but Salt is late in taking off. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but his throw almost hits Salt.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, ! EDGY AGAIN! Everything going England's way at the moment! Shorter and outside off, Hales swings and it goes off the outside edge, fine on the off side and into the third man fence again. Frustrating for Pakistan.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, OUCH! That might have hurt! Shorter and on middle, Hales looks to pull but misses to get hit near the box.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Philip Salt, This seems like a really good wicket! Length and on off, Salt pushes it to mid off, he hit that on the up and takes one. The ball is racing off the bat.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, Good run! Length and on off, this is pushed towards covers for one.
Will Mohammad Nawaz bowl another over in the Powerplay? The answer is no for now. Shahnawaz Dahani is introduced into the attack.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, Mix-up but no harm is done! End of another good over for England. They are off to a good start! On the pads, this is worked to short fine. Salt wants a run but Hales is late in taking off. The shy is at the keeper's end but the fielder misses.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, ! SAILS OVER THE FENCE! Fortunate boundary but Hales really won't mind. 10 from the last two balls. Length and outside off, Hales throws his bat at it, and the ball flies off the outside edge, over short third man and over the fence.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, ! Hales gets the boundary which releases the pressure that was building! Hales this time walks across and this is angled into his body. He tucks it past short fine leg and it races away to the fence.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, A crowd catch there! Full and outside off, Hales yet again stays leg side and has to reach out for it, it goes off the bottom edge and on the bounce to the keeper. Something has to give here. Three dots in a row.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, Good stuff from Mohammad Hasnain! Length and on off, this is guided to point.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, Hales makes a lot of room and Mohammad Hasnain cleverly bowls it full and wide outside off. Hales fails to reach it.
Mohammad Nawaz to Alex Hales, Just short! Hales is playing with fire here! Another one on the stumps, Hales hits it uppishly towards mid on but it lands just short. The fielder makes a half-stop. A run is taken. A good second over for England.
Mohammad Nawaz to Alex Hales, Just over the fielder, again! Flatter and on the stumps, Hales looks to go over mid on. He does not time it that well but hits it well enough to clear the in-ring fielder who runs back, slides and saves two for his side.
Mohammad Nawaz to Alex Hales, That stayed a little low! On middle, this is pushed to mid on.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, On the stumps, Salt pushes it down to long off for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Hit firmly but to the fielder! Shorter and on middle, Salt makes room and slaps it but to the cover fielder.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, ! JUST OVER! That is a brave shot with long off back! Also, Haris Rauf seemed to have jumped earlier. Salt makes room, this is tossed up on off, he lifts it to the left of Rauf who moves there near the boundary line and leaps but it goes over. JUST OVER! First biggie of the game and an excellent start to this over.
Spin from the other end. Mohammad Nawaz will roll his arm.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, He does, so apart from the first ball, that was a good over, it was bowled with pace and good lines and lengths too. On middle, this is pushed to mid on.
Mohammad Hasnain to Philip Salt, That has flown off the outside edge! Well fielded! Shorter and outside off, Salt slashes at it, and it goes off the outside edge down to third man. Usman Qadir moves to his right and stops it well. Just the one. Can Hasnain end the over well now?
Mohammad Hasnain to Philip Salt, Hits the bat hard! On a length and around off, Salt looks to drive but it hits the splice and rolls to covers. He looks for a run but it is not on.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, Hales is now off the mark! Outside off, a little bit of shape away. Hales plays it with the swing down past backward point for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, That is a beauty! Good outswinger, it starts on off and shapes away. Hales pokes at it with no foot movement, he is beaten.
Mohammad Hasnain to Philip Salt, Salt misses out there! Mohammad Hasnain is lucky that did not go to the boundary! England though are underway and so is Salt. On the pads, Salt flicks but straight to short fine leg. A little to the left or the right of Shahnawaz Dahani and it would have been a boundary.
All in readiness here in Karachi. The men concerned are out in the middle. Alex Hales and Philip Salt are the English openers. Mohammad Hasnain is getting ready to serve the first over. One slip in place. Here we go...
England (Playing XI) - Philip Salt (WK), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali (C), Sam Curran, David Willey, Luke Wood, Liam Dawson (In for Richard Gleeson), Adil Rashid.
Pakistan (Playing XI) - Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Haider Ali, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Qadir, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain (In for Naseem Shah), Shahnawaz Dahani.
Toss - The coin falls in favour of Moeen Ali and ENGLAND ELECT TO BAT FIRST!
On the other hand, England will be delighted with their performance in the first game. They had far too many positives. Firstly, how well Moeen Ali led his side, then the adaptability shown by the bowlers and the two most prominent were probably the knock from Hales and Brooks. They would head into this game with a lot of confidence and a lot of momentum. Can they repeat their performance and make it 2-0? We will find out soon.
8
Diabytes
Pakistan
203/0(19.3 Overs)
Ben Duckett (43 off 22 balls) comes up for a quick word. Says that it's all about the match-ups and targeting the leg spinner and the left-arm spinner was his job. Shares that the ball is misbehaving and staying low for the pacers. Feels that picking wickets at regular intervals will be the key on this surface.
Pakistan won't want to look back on their effort on the field. Apart from Haris Rauf, every bowler struggled for control. The pitch was supposed to be a good one for the spinners but Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Qadir spent 81 runs together. England have included Liam Dawson in place of a pacer and let's see how this plan to go with three tweakers works for the visiting team. Stay tuned for their reply...Â
We can call it a brave batting show by England. They were ready to take the risk right from the beginning, and it paid off in the Powerplay. There was a pattern in England losing their wickets initially. They lost the first two in the last over of the Powerplay, and then after a handy partnership, they lost both Ben Duckett and Philip Salt in the space of 7 balls. That didn't hamper their momentum though. The English team maintained a great tempo and everyone was in sync to deliver the same.
Moeen Ali finished things with a flurry, two biggies to take England to 199 and he completed his fifty off just 23 balls. Just a reminder, the English skipper was dropped on 32 by Khushdil Shah. Pakistan will be regretting the way they bowled and fielded this evening. Babar Azam wanted to restrict England around 160 but his bowlers failed in executing the plans and now they have a big task to chase a target of 200.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, ! Over the fence again! ENGLAND END WITH 199! This is shorter and on middle, Ali pulls it and it sails over the mid-wicket fence for another big one. A huge last over to end the innings! 19 from it.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, ! BANG! That is well over the fence! This is right in the slot! Fuller and on middle, Ali heaves it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Mohammad Hasnain to Sam Curran, Just another one! On middle, this is pulled down to long on for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Sam Curran, Close! Curran looks to play the paddle scoop again, not a bad idea as the short fine leg is up. It is a slower one on off, Curran misses and it just goes over the off pole.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, Well bowled! Just a single from the freebie! A yorker outside off, it is carved out to deep point for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, Two more and it is a NO BALL TOO! It just keeps getting worse for Pakistan! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled, it is more off the splice again towards mid on for two. Free Hit coming up.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, Two! Shorter and on middle, Ali looks to pull, but it goes off the splice of the bat towards the long on fielder who runs to his right and pushes it back in. Two taken.
Mohammad Hasnain to bowl the final over. Can England breach the 200-run mark?
Haris Rauf to Sam Curran, Two to end! A full toss outside off, Curran waits and then carves it past point. The fielder in the deep runs to his right, slides and keeps it down to two.
Haris Rauf to Sam Curran, Another dot! Curran makes room. He is followed by Rauf with a short one and on the body. Curran looks to upper-cut it but misses.
Haris Rauf to Moeen Ali, Just the one! Shorter and outside off, Ali slaps it through covers for one.
Haris Rauf to Moeen Ali, Well bowled! A slower one, shorter and outside off. Moeen looks to slap it but misses.
Haris Rauf to Sam Curran, Length and on off, Curran plays it towards covers and takes one.
Haris Rauf to Sam Curran, ! Innovation at its best! Seen that a lot from England today. Sam Curran shapes up for the paddle scoop. He manages to hit it over short fine leg and it lands just inside the ropes.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, ! Just helps it on its way! These runs will hurt Khushdil Shah! On the pads, Ali just helps it on its way to the fine leg fence. 12 from the over.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Sam Curran, A yorker on off, Curran jams it out towards point and takes one.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, ! Really not sure what is wrong with Pakistan! They have been very poor on the field in the last few games. This is a dolly and it is offered by Moeen. That should have been taken. A slower short one. Moeen steps out and pulls but more off the toe end. It goes straight to the man at deep mid-wicket. Khushdil Shah spills it. This could prove costly.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, ! Finds the gap brilliantly! Fuller and on the pads, this is whipped through mid-wicket. The man in the deep runs to his left, and dives but can't stop it.Â
Shahnawaz Dahani to Sam Curran, Just another one! Shorter and outside off, Curran guides it towards point and takes one.
Sam Curran arrives. The stage is set for him to go on the attack straight away. Also, Shahnawaz Dahani to steam in for his final over.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, A low full toss on middle, Ali jams it out towards cover for one. Singles won't harm Pakistan.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, ! TIMBER! Not sure why Brook wanted to try that when he was playing the orthodox shots so well. A slower one on middle, on a good length, Brook looks to play the paddle scoop. He is through the shot early and it hits the stumps. End of a really good knock though from Harry Brook. He probably has done his job but had he stayed in there, 200 would have been easily possible.
Haris Rauf to Moeen Ali, A full toss, this is guided through point for one.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, ! Sails over the fence! This stand is taking the game away! Short and on the body, Brook swivels and pulls it over the fine leg fence.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, On the pad, Brook looks to flick, he gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes down to fine leg for one.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, A slower one, angled into the body of Brook. He swings but gets an inside edge onto the pads. Dot. Need more of these.
Haris Rauf is back to bowl at the death. 2-0-13-1 are his figures so far.
Haris Rauf to Moeen Ali, That was quick! Shorter and on middle, this one zips through. Ali mistimes the pull down to long on for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Harry Brook, ! Over the fence! That is magical! Just brilliant! Fuller and on off, Brook makes room, this is a half volley. He lofts it over the long off fence for a biggie. Wonderful shot. Another huge over comes to an end. England will now be eyeing 200.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, A yorker now on middle, Moeen jams it out towards covers for one. Not sure why more of these are not bowled.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, ! In the gap again! Shorter and on middle, Moeen pulls it through square leg, away from the fielder and it races away to the fence.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, Brilliant shot again! On off, this is timed wonderfully through covers for two.
Mohammad Hasnain to Harry Brook, Brook makes room and Mohammad Hasnain follows him. This is worked through square leg for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Harry Brook, ! Nice and fine! Poor delivery to begin with! On the pads, Brooks works it fine and this one races away to the fence. Boundaries flowing now.
Mohammad Hasnain is back on.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, ! Two in a row! Moeen Ali is on fire here! End of a huge over and now 180 looks well and truly possible! On middle. Moeen plays the slog sweep again, clears the mid-wicket fence once more. 19 from the over!
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, ! That is a massive hit! Wonderful. It made a cracking sound off the bat! On middle, the slog sweep is out and it sails over the mid-wicket fence. Qadir has been very expensive today.
Usman Qadir to Harry Brook, Brook comes down the track, gets a little too close to the pitch of the ball, it goes towards long on for one.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, Fuller and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, Moeen probably did not pick that one! This is flatter and outside off, it turns back in. Moeen looks to cut but misses. Too close to play that shot.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, ! Finds the gap nicely! Shorter and outside off, this is pushed past cover. The fielder dives over the ball and it goes into the fence.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, WIDE! The googly but it is well wide outside off. Left alone.
Change in bowling. Usman Qadir to bowl his final over. None for 22 so far.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, A dot to end but the damage was done earlier on! Shorter and outside off, extra bounce, a real effort ball. Brook looks to cut but is beaten.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, Bonus runs! Down the leg side. Ali lets it be. Rizwan fumbles. A run taken. Two wides!
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, Back of a length and on off, Brook guides it down to third man and takes one.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, This lands short! Brook steps out, Dahani bowls a length ball on off. Brook hits it on the bounce to mid off.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, ! Over the fence! This guy Brook is a real talent! Dahani goes short and on the body, Brook pulls and it sails over the square leg fence. A welcome biggie!
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, Two more! Well fielded! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep runs to his left and pushes it back in. They take it upstairs to check but Haider Ali has done fine.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, Shout for a caught behind and it has been referred after the umpire turns down the appeal! A review more in hope we believe! On the pads, Brook looks to flick but misses. Rizwan takes it with an acrobatic dive to his left. Shahnawaz Dahani appeals but he is the only one doing so. He does convince his skipper to take the review and Azam does but to no avail. That is off the thigh pad!
Shahnawaz Dahani is back into the attack. 2 for 14 in his 2 overs so far.
Mohammad Nawaz to Harry Brook, Fuller and on middle, Harry pushes it down to long on and keeps strike with a run. 4-0-40-1 - end of an expensive evening for Mohammad Nawaz.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Moeen Ali, Flatter and on off, Moeen forces it down to long on and opens his account with a single.
Mohammad Nawaz to Moeen Ali, Shortish and close to off, Moeen stands back to cut but gets a bottom edge onto the pitch.
Skipper Moeen Ali walks in next.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! BOWLED 'EM! Smart from Nawaz. He pulls his length back a shade and delivers it a bit slower through the air around off. Ben Duckett goes down and across to play the sweep shot but for once, he has failed to middle this evening. It goes past his body and knocks down the off pole. A very impressive knock from Ben comes to an end. A good phase of play for Pakistan, they have removed both the set batters now.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! This is unbelievable cricket from Duckett. He is toying with the bowler and the fielder. Loopy delivery, a low full toss around off, Ben Duckett goes down and paddles it past short fine leg for a boundary.
Mohammad Nawaz to Harry Brook, Flatter and around off, Brook comes down the track and knocks it down to long on for a run.
Change in bowling. Mohammad Nawaz to bowl out. He has gone for 33 runs so far.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, Brook is off the mark! Length and on off, this is guided down to third man for one.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, Solid from Brook! On a length and around off, Brook defends it to mid off.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, ! TIMBER! Beaten for pace there! Rauf returns and strikes for his captain! Breaks the stand that was worrying Pakistan! The last delivery was a slower one and this one is bowled at 148 kph. This is on middle, it is the seam-up ball. Salt may not have been expecting it. He is late into the heave across the line. The ball sneaks through and hits the stumps. Can Pakistan now stem the run-flow?
Harry Brook, fresh from a good knock, walks in next.Â
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, Swing and a miss! Shorter and outside off, slower in pace at 127 kph, Salt walks across and looks to pull but this one stays low, he misses.
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, Shorter and on middle, Salt pulls, it is in the gap in the mid-wicket region, two taken.
Change in bowling with the current partnership growing. Haris Rauf comes back into the attack. His first over went for 10 overs.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Another single to end as this is pushed to long on. A very expensive over, 13 from it.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, A single! Duckett steps out, does not get to the pitch of the ball. He mistimes it down to long on for one. The 50-run stand comes up.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, ! Make that two boundaries in a row! This is even better! Yet another sweep shot, this time it is dragged from outside off and to the right of the deep mid-wicket fielder. This is some knock from the left-hander.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, ! That has been nailed! Yet again the sweep shot is played to great use! On middle, fuller in length, this is swept hard through square leg and into the fence.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, Two more! Shorter and outside off, this is slapped past covers for two.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.
Drinks break. Excellent recovery from England after a couple of setbacks in the sixth over. Ben Duckett has walked in with positive intent and is proving his mettle against the spinners. Philip Salt has not looked at his usual best yet but he can change gears anytime, we know that. The last over fetched them 14 overs and the tourists will be hoping to take that momentum forward. Pakistan have blown hot and cold so far on the field. They need to be more disciplined in the next 10 overs.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, On middle, Salt works it towards mid-wicket and gives the strike to Duckett who is playing the spinners really well.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! Excellent stroke! End of a big over for England. One they needed to win the momentum back! On middle, Duckett plays the reverse sweep, he hits it over covers and finds the fence.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, Two more! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled hard to the left of deep mid-wicket. Another two. Duckett is playing really well here.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, Two more! Good clever batting. Just using the pace again. On middle, Duckett plays the paddle scoop, it races behind the keeper. The fielder from short third man chases it down. Two.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled down to long on for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, Well bowled! A lot slower and on middle, Duckett looks to sweep but it goes off the gloves towards short fine leg for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! Finds the gap this time! On middle, Duckett sweeps it across the line and it comes more from the top half of his blade. The ball races through square leg and finds the fence. A good way to start the over and a welcome one as things had gotten quiet.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Now this one stays low! Shorter and outside off, skids through. Salt looks to cut but misses.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, Now the reverse sweep from Duckett, it is played behind point but there is a fielder in the deep. Only one.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, Two more! On middle, Duckett sweeps, it goes between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for two.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, This one is tossed up outside off, Duckett looks to sweep but misses. Extra bounce there. The wicket has started to play tricks now.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Half an appeal for caught behind but no review taken! This is tossed up around off, it lands and turns away. Salt looks to go big over mid-wicket but misses. Rizwan starts appealing but the umpire shakes his head. No edge on that.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! That is superb batting! Just used the pace of the bowler and spoils the over on the last ball! This is fired on middle, Duckett plays the paddle scoop and it goes very fine on the leg side for a boundary.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, On middle, Salt pulls it through square leg for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Innovation! The reverse sweep comes out, Salt manages to drag it from around leg and through point for two.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Not a good idea to play on the back foot here and Salt is doing that. He makes room, this is slightly fuller, Salt plays it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, Fires it on the pads, Duckett works it through square leg for one more.
Mohammad Nawaz is back on. His first over went for 10 runs.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Shorter and on off, Salt slaps it through covers for one.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, On middle, this is pulled down to long on for one. A tidy start by Usman Qadir!
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Very full and outside off, Salt jams it out towards point.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, On the pads, this is worked through square leg for a single.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, Flatter and on middle, this one turns back in. It is pushed back to the bowler.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, On off, shorter again, this is slapped down to long off for one.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Fumble in the field and two more! Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers. The fielder in the deep fumbles, two taken. Fifty up for England.
The field restriction is relaxed now. Here comes the leggie - Usman Qadir.Â
Shahnawaz Dahani to Ben Duckett, ! Pulled away! Short and on the pads, this one stays low. Ben Duckett pulls it behind square on the leg side, he adjusted well there and bags a boundary. End of the Powerplay, it's quite an action-packed one. 48 runs and two wickets from it.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Ben Duckett, Good length and on off, pushed to cover.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Ben Duckett, Two more! On middle, Duckett works it through mid-wicket and takes two.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Ben Duckett, Negotiated well. Fuller and on middle, this is pushed to mid on.
Ben Duckett to face the hat-trick ball.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Dawid Malan, ! Bowled around his legs and Pakistan have two in two! All of a sudden, England are in trouble now! This is full and on the pads at 143 clicks, Malan walks across, he walks a little too across actually and looks to flick. He misses and the leg stump is disturbed. Shahnawaz Dahani is elated and so are the fans here. They were chanting his name when he came on to bowl and he delivered. A duck for Malan.
Dawid Malan is the number 3 batter.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, ! TIMBER! Finally, Hales' luck runs out. Pakistan get the wicket they needed. The star from the first game walks back. Hales probably misreads the length here. This is fractionally short, it is a slower one at 115 kph and also stays low. Hales looks to pull but it does not bounce as much as he thought it would. It goes through and clips the bails. Shahnawaz Dahani is up and running in celebration.
Haris Rauf to Alex Hales, A single to end! Despite the two dots, 10 from the over. A full toss on middle, this is mistimed over the bowler's head and the mid on fielder mops it up.
Shahnawaz Dahani returns to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.
Haris Rauf to Alex Hales, ! Up and over! Picked his spot well! Shorter and outside off, Hales makes room and slaps it over point for a boundary. Yet again, the shot which releases the pressure comes.
Haris Rauf to Alex Hales, Almost! Luck really favouring the two English batters at the moment! Shorter and another slower one. This one stays low too. Hales looks to pull but misses. It goes just past the off pole.
Haris Rauf to Alex Hales, Swing and a miss! A good slower one, shorter and outside off, stays low. Hales looks to pull but misses.
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, Just the one as this goes to the fielder which was pushed back now! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, ! Just over and into the fence! Not timed again but hit well enough! Shorter and on middle, Salt looks to pull, it goes off the splice over mid-wicket. Iftikhar Ahmed runs after it but finishes second best. A boundary to begin the over. Pressure on Rauf.
More pace and serious pace to be precise. Here comes Haris Rauf.Â
Shahnawaz Dahani to Philip Salt, A quick run to end! Runs continue to come for England! Fuller and on off, this is pushed to mid off for one.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, That was a wild throw! Fuller and on middle, Hales drives it back towards the bowler. He sticks his right leg out and deflects it towards mid on. Hales is off but Salt is late in taking off. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but his throw almost hits Salt.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, ! EDGY AGAIN! Everything going England's way at the moment! Shorter and outside off, Hales swings and it goes off the outside edge, fine on the off side and into the third man fence again. Frustrating for Pakistan.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, OUCH! That might have hurt! Shorter and on middle, Hales looks to pull but misses to get hit near the box.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Philip Salt, This seems like a really good wicket! Length and on off, Salt pushes it to mid off, he hit that on the up and takes one. The ball is racing off the bat.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, Good run! Length and on off, this is pushed towards covers for one.
Will Mohammad Nawaz bowl another over in the Powerplay? The answer is no for now. Shahnawaz Dahani is introduced into the attack.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, Mix-up but no harm is done! End of another good over for England. They are off to a good start! On the pads, this is worked to short fine. Salt wants a run but Hales is late in taking off. The shy is at the keeper's end but the fielder misses.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, ! SAILS OVER THE FENCE! Fortunate boundary but Hales really won't mind. 10 from the last two balls. Length and outside off, Hales throws his bat at it, and the ball flies off the outside edge, over short third man and over the fence.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, ! Hales gets the boundary which releases the pressure that was building! Hales this time walks across and this is angled into his body. He tucks it past short fine leg and it races away to the fence.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, A crowd catch there! Full and outside off, Hales yet again stays leg side and has to reach out for it, it goes off the bottom edge and on the bounce to the keeper. Something has to give here. Three dots in a row.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, Good stuff from Mohammad Hasnain! Length and on off, this is guided to point.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, Hales makes a lot of room and Mohammad Hasnain cleverly bowls it full and wide outside off. Hales fails to reach it.
Mohammad Nawaz to Alex Hales, Just short! Hales is playing with fire here! Another one on the stumps, Hales hits it uppishly towards mid on but it lands just short. The fielder makes a half-stop. A run is taken. A good second over for England.
Mohammad Nawaz to Alex Hales, Just over the fielder, again! Flatter and on the stumps, Hales looks to go over mid on. He does not time it that well but hits it well enough to clear the in-ring fielder who runs back, slides and saves two for his side.
Mohammad Nawaz to Alex Hales, That stayed a little low! On middle, this is pushed to mid on.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, On the stumps, Salt pushes it down to long off for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Hit firmly but to the fielder! Shorter and on middle, Salt makes room and slaps it but to the cover fielder.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, ! JUST OVER! That is a brave shot with long off back! Also, Haris Rauf seemed to have jumped earlier. Salt makes room, this is tossed up on off, he lifts it to the left of Rauf who moves there near the boundary line and leaps but it goes over. JUST OVER! First biggie of the game and an excellent start to this over.
Spin from the other end. Mohammad Nawaz will roll his arm.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, He does, so apart from the first ball, that was a good over, it was bowled with pace and good lines and lengths too. On middle, this is pushed to mid on.
Mohammad Hasnain to Philip Salt, That has flown off the outside edge! Well fielded! Shorter and outside off, Salt slashes at it, and it goes off the outside edge down to third man. Usman Qadir moves to his right and stops it well. Just the one. Can Hasnain end the over well now?
Mohammad Hasnain to Philip Salt, Hits the bat hard! On a length and around off, Salt looks to drive but it hits the splice and rolls to covers. He looks for a run but it is not on.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, Hales is now off the mark! Outside off, a little bit of shape away. Hales plays it with the swing down past backward point for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, That is a beauty! Good outswinger, it starts on off and shapes away. Hales pokes at it with no foot movement, he is beaten.
Mohammad Hasnain to Philip Salt, Salt misses out there! Mohammad Hasnain is lucky that did not go to the boundary! England though are underway and so is Salt. On the pads, Salt flicks but straight to short fine leg. A little to the left or the right of Shahnawaz Dahani and it would have been a boundary.
All in readiness here in Karachi. The men concerned are out in the middle. Alex Hales and Philip Salt are the English openers. Mohammad Hasnain is getting ready to serve the first over. One slip in place. Here we go...
England (Playing XI) - Philip Salt (WK), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali (C), Sam Curran, David Willey, Luke Wood, Liam Dawson (In for Richard Gleeson), Adil Rashid.
Pakistan (Playing XI) - Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Haider Ali, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Qadir, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain (In for Naseem Shah), Shahnawaz Dahani.
Toss - The coin falls in favour of Moeen Ali and ENGLAND ELECT TO BAT FIRST!
On the other hand, England will be delighted with their performance in the first game. They had far too many positives. Firstly, how well Moeen Ali led his side, then the adaptability shown by the bowlers and the two most prominent were probably the knock from Hales and Brooks. They would head into this game with a lot of confidence and a lot of momentum. Can they repeat their performance and make it 2-0? We will find out soon.
Ben Duckett (43 off 22 balls) comes up for a quick word. Says that it's all about the match-ups and targeting the leg spinner and the left-arm spinner was his job. Shares that the ball is misbehaving and staying low for the pacers. Feels that picking wickets at regular intervals will be the key on this surface.
Pakistan won't want to look back on their effort on the field. Apart from Haris Rauf, every bowler struggled for control. The pitch was supposed to be a good one for the spinners but Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Qadir spent 81 runs together. England have included Liam Dawson in place of a pacer and let's see how this plan to go with three tweakers works for the visiting team. Stay tuned for their reply...Â
We can call it a brave batting show by England. They were ready to take the risk right from the beginning, and it paid off in the Powerplay. There was a pattern in England losing their wickets initially. They lost the first two in the last over of the Powerplay, and then after a handy partnership, they lost both Ben Duckett and Philip Salt in the space of 7 balls. That didn't hamper their momentum though. The English team maintained a great tempo and everyone was in sync to deliver the same.
Moeen Ali finished things with a flurry, two biggies to take England to 199 and he completed his fifty off just 23 balls. Just a reminder, the English skipper was dropped on 32 by Khushdil Shah. Pakistan will be regretting the way they bowled and fielded this evening. Babar Azam wanted to restrict England around 160 but his bowlers failed in executing the plans and now they have a big task to chase a target of 200.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, ! Over the fence again! ENGLAND END WITH 199! This is shorter and on middle, Ali pulls it and it sails over the mid-wicket fence for another big one. A huge last over to end the innings! 19 from it.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, ! BANG! That is well over the fence! This is right in the slot! Fuller and on middle, Ali heaves it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Mohammad Hasnain to Sam Curran, Just another one! On middle, this is pulled down to long on for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Sam Curran, Close! Curran looks to play the paddle scoop again, not a bad idea as the short fine leg is up. It is a slower one on off, Curran misses and it just goes over the off pole.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, Well bowled! Just a single from the freebie! A yorker outside off, it is carved out to deep point for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, Two more and it is a NO BALL TOO! It just keeps getting worse for Pakistan! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled, it is more off the splice again towards mid on for two. Free Hit coming up.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, Two! Shorter and on middle, Ali looks to pull, but it goes off the splice of the bat towards the long on fielder who runs to his right and pushes it back in. Two taken.
Mohammad Hasnain to bowl the final over. Can England breach the 200-run mark?
Haris Rauf to Sam Curran, Two to end! A full toss outside off, Curran waits and then carves it past point. The fielder in the deep runs to his right, slides and keeps it down to two.
Haris Rauf to Sam Curran, Another dot! Curran makes room. He is followed by Rauf with a short one and on the body. Curran looks to upper-cut it but misses.
Haris Rauf to Moeen Ali, Just the one! Shorter and outside off, Ali slaps it through covers for one.
Haris Rauf to Moeen Ali, Well bowled! A slower one, shorter and outside off. Moeen looks to slap it but misses.
Haris Rauf to Sam Curran, Length and on off, Curran plays it towards covers and takes one.
Haris Rauf to Sam Curran, ! Innovation at its best! Seen that a lot from England today. Sam Curran shapes up for the paddle scoop. He manages to hit it over short fine leg and it lands just inside the ropes.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, ! Just helps it on its way! These runs will hurt Khushdil Shah! On the pads, Ali just helps it on its way to the fine leg fence. 12 from the over.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Sam Curran, A yorker on off, Curran jams it out towards point and takes one.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, ! Really not sure what is wrong with Pakistan! They have been very poor on the field in the last few games. This is a dolly and it is offered by Moeen. That should have been taken. A slower short one. Moeen steps out and pulls but more off the toe end. It goes straight to the man at deep mid-wicket. Khushdil Shah spills it. This could prove costly.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, ! Finds the gap brilliantly! Fuller and on the pads, this is whipped through mid-wicket. The man in the deep runs to his left, and dives but can't stop it.Â
Shahnawaz Dahani to Sam Curran, Just another one! Shorter and outside off, Curran guides it towards point and takes one.
Sam Curran arrives. The stage is set for him to go on the attack straight away. Also, Shahnawaz Dahani to steam in for his final over.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, A low full toss on middle, Ali jams it out towards cover for one. Singles won't harm Pakistan.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, ! TIMBER! Not sure why Brook wanted to try that when he was playing the orthodox shots so well. A slower one on middle, on a good length, Brook looks to play the paddle scoop. He is through the shot early and it hits the stumps. End of a really good knock though from Harry Brook. He probably has done his job but had he stayed in there, 200 would have been easily possible.
Haris Rauf to Moeen Ali, A full toss, this is guided through point for one.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, ! Sails over the fence! This stand is taking the game away! Short and on the body, Brook swivels and pulls it over the fine leg fence.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, On the pad, Brook looks to flick, he gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes down to fine leg for one.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, A slower one, angled into the body of Brook. He swings but gets an inside edge onto the pads. Dot. Need more of these.
Haris Rauf is back to bowl at the death. 2-0-13-1 are his figures so far.
Haris Rauf to Moeen Ali, That was quick! Shorter and on middle, this one zips through. Ali mistimes the pull down to long on for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Harry Brook, ! Over the fence! That is magical! Just brilliant! Fuller and on off, Brook makes room, this is a half volley. He lofts it over the long off fence for a biggie. Wonderful shot. Another huge over comes to an end. England will now be eyeing 200.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, A yorker now on middle, Moeen jams it out towards covers for one. Not sure why more of these are not bowled.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, ! In the gap again! Shorter and on middle, Moeen pulls it through square leg, away from the fielder and it races away to the fence.
Mohammad Hasnain to Moeen Ali, Brilliant shot again! On off, this is timed wonderfully through covers for two.
Mohammad Hasnain to Harry Brook, Brook makes room and Mohammad Hasnain follows him. This is worked through square leg for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Harry Brook, ! Nice and fine! Poor delivery to begin with! On the pads, Brooks works it fine and this one races away to the fence. Boundaries flowing now.
Mohammad Hasnain is back on.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, ! Two in a row! Moeen Ali is on fire here! End of a huge over and now 180 looks well and truly possible! On middle. Moeen plays the slog sweep again, clears the mid-wicket fence once more. 19 from the over!
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, ! That is a massive hit! Wonderful. It made a cracking sound off the bat! On middle, the slog sweep is out and it sails over the mid-wicket fence. Qadir has been very expensive today.
Usman Qadir to Harry Brook, Brook comes down the track, gets a little too close to the pitch of the ball, it goes towards long on for one.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, Fuller and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, Moeen probably did not pick that one! This is flatter and outside off, it turns back in. Moeen looks to cut but misses. Too close to play that shot.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, ! Finds the gap nicely! Shorter and outside off, this is pushed past cover. The fielder dives over the ball and it goes into the fence.
Usman Qadir to Moeen Ali, WIDE! The googly but it is well wide outside off. Left alone.
Change in bowling. Usman Qadir to bowl his final over. None for 22 so far.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, A dot to end but the damage was done earlier on! Shorter and outside off, extra bounce, a real effort ball. Brook looks to cut but is beaten.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Moeen Ali, Bonus runs! Down the leg side. Ali lets it be. Rizwan fumbles. A run taken. Two wides!
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, Back of a length and on off, Brook guides it down to third man and takes one.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, This lands short! Brook steps out, Dahani bowls a length ball on off. Brook hits it on the bounce to mid off.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, ! Over the fence! This guy Brook is a real talent! Dahani goes short and on the body, Brook pulls and it sails over the square leg fence. A welcome biggie!
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, Two more! Well fielded! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep runs to his left and pushes it back in. They take it upstairs to check but Haider Ali has done fine.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Harry Brook, Shout for a caught behind and it has been referred after the umpire turns down the appeal! A review more in hope we believe! On the pads, Brook looks to flick but misses. Rizwan takes it with an acrobatic dive to his left. Shahnawaz Dahani appeals but he is the only one doing so. He does convince his skipper to take the review and Azam does but to no avail. That is off the thigh pad!
Shahnawaz Dahani is back into the attack. 2 for 14 in his 2 overs so far.
Mohammad Nawaz to Harry Brook, Fuller and on middle, Harry pushes it down to long on and keeps strike with a run. 4-0-40-1 - end of an expensive evening for Mohammad Nawaz.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Moeen Ali, Flatter and on off, Moeen forces it down to long on and opens his account with a single.
Mohammad Nawaz to Moeen Ali, Shortish and close to off, Moeen stands back to cut but gets a bottom edge onto the pitch.
Skipper Moeen Ali walks in next.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! BOWLED 'EM! Smart from Nawaz. He pulls his length back a shade and delivers it a bit slower through the air around off. Ben Duckett goes down and across to play the sweep shot but for once, he has failed to middle this evening. It goes past his body and knocks down the off pole. A very impressive knock from Ben comes to an end. A good phase of play for Pakistan, they have removed both the set batters now.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! This is unbelievable cricket from Duckett. He is toying with the bowler and the fielder. Loopy delivery, a low full toss around off, Ben Duckett goes down and paddles it past short fine leg for a boundary.
Mohammad Nawaz to Harry Brook, Flatter and around off, Brook comes down the track and knocks it down to long on for a run.
Change in bowling. Mohammad Nawaz to bowl out. He has gone for 33 runs so far.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, Brook is off the mark! Length and on off, this is guided down to third man for one.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, Solid from Brook! On a length and around off, Brook defends it to mid off.
Haris Rauf to Harry Brook, On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, ! TIMBER! Beaten for pace there! Rauf returns and strikes for his captain! Breaks the stand that was worrying Pakistan! The last delivery was a slower one and this one is bowled at 148 kph. This is on middle, it is the seam-up ball. Salt may not have been expecting it. He is late into the heave across the line. The ball sneaks through and hits the stumps. Can Pakistan now stem the run-flow?
Harry Brook, fresh from a good knock, walks in next.Â
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, Swing and a miss! Shorter and outside off, slower in pace at 127 kph, Salt walks across and looks to pull but this one stays low, he misses.
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, Shorter and on middle, Salt pulls, it is in the gap in the mid-wicket region, two taken.
Change in bowling with the current partnership growing. Haris Rauf comes back into the attack. His first over went for 10 overs.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Another single to end as this is pushed to long on. A very expensive over, 13 from it.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, A single! Duckett steps out, does not get to the pitch of the ball. He mistimes it down to long on for one. The 50-run stand comes up.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, ! Make that two boundaries in a row! This is even better! Yet another sweep shot, this time it is dragged from outside off and to the right of the deep mid-wicket fielder. This is some knock from the left-hander.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, ! That has been nailed! Yet again the sweep shot is played to great use! On middle, fuller in length, this is swept hard through square leg and into the fence.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, Two more! Shorter and outside off, this is slapped past covers for two.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.
Drinks break. Excellent recovery from England after a couple of setbacks in the sixth over. Ben Duckett has walked in with positive intent and is proving his mettle against the spinners. Philip Salt has not looked at his usual best yet but he can change gears anytime, we know that. The last over fetched them 14 overs and the tourists will be hoping to take that momentum forward. Pakistan have blown hot and cold so far on the field. They need to be more disciplined in the next 10 overs.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, On middle, Salt works it towards mid-wicket and gives the strike to Duckett who is playing the spinners really well.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! Excellent stroke! End of a big over for England. One they needed to win the momentum back! On middle, Duckett plays the reverse sweep, he hits it over covers and finds the fence.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, Two more! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled hard to the left of deep mid-wicket. Another two. Duckett is playing really well here.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, Two more! Good clever batting. Just using the pace again. On middle, Duckett plays the paddle scoop, it races behind the keeper. The fielder from short third man chases it down. Two.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled down to long on for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, Well bowled! A lot slower and on middle, Duckett looks to sweep but it goes off the gloves towards short fine leg for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! Finds the gap this time! On middle, Duckett sweeps it across the line and it comes more from the top half of his blade. The ball races through square leg and finds the fence. A good way to start the over and a welcome one as things had gotten quiet.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Now this one stays low! Shorter and outside off, skids through. Salt looks to cut but misses.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, Now the reverse sweep from Duckett, it is played behind point but there is a fielder in the deep. Only one.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, Two more! On middle, Duckett sweeps, it goes between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for two.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, This one is tossed up outside off, Duckett looks to sweep but misses. Extra bounce there. The wicket has started to play tricks now.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Half an appeal for caught behind but no review taken! This is tossed up around off, it lands and turns away. Salt looks to go big over mid-wicket but misses. Rizwan starts appealing but the umpire shakes his head. No edge on that.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, ! That is superb batting! Just used the pace of the bowler and spoils the over on the last ball! This is fired on middle, Duckett plays the paddle scoop and it goes very fine on the leg side for a boundary.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, On middle, Salt pulls it through square leg for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Innovation! The reverse sweep comes out, Salt manages to drag it from around leg and through point for two.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Not a good idea to play on the back foot here and Salt is doing that. He makes room, this is slightly fuller, Salt plays it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Nawaz to Ben Duckett, Fires it on the pads, Duckett works it through square leg for one more.
Mohammad Nawaz is back on. His first over went for 10 runs.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Shorter and on off, Salt slaps it through covers for one.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, On middle, this is pulled down to long on for one. A tidy start by Usman Qadir!
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Very full and outside off, Salt jams it out towards point.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, On the pads, this is worked through square leg for a single.
Usman Qadir to Ben Duckett, Flatter and on middle, this one turns back in. It is pushed back to the bowler.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, On off, shorter again, this is slapped down to long off for one.
Usman Qadir to Philip Salt, Fumble in the field and two more! Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers. The fielder in the deep fumbles, two taken. Fifty up for England.
The field restriction is relaxed now. Here comes the leggie - Usman Qadir.Â
Shahnawaz Dahani to Ben Duckett, ! Pulled away! Short and on the pads, this one stays low. Ben Duckett pulls it behind square on the leg side, he adjusted well there and bags a boundary. End of the Powerplay, it's quite an action-packed one. 48 runs and two wickets from it.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Ben Duckett, Good length and on off, pushed to cover.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Ben Duckett, Two more! On middle, Duckett works it through mid-wicket and takes two.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Ben Duckett, Negotiated well. Fuller and on middle, this is pushed to mid on.
Ben Duckett to face the hat-trick ball.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Dawid Malan, ! Bowled around his legs and Pakistan have two in two! All of a sudden, England are in trouble now! This is full and on the pads at 143 clicks, Malan walks across, he walks a little too across actually and looks to flick. He misses and the leg stump is disturbed. Shahnawaz Dahani is elated and so are the fans here. They were chanting his name when he came on to bowl and he delivered. A duck for Malan.
Dawid Malan is the number 3 batter.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, ! TIMBER! Finally, Hales' luck runs out. Pakistan get the wicket they needed. The star from the first game walks back. Hales probably misreads the length here. This is fractionally short, it is a slower one at 115 kph and also stays low. Hales looks to pull but it does not bounce as much as he thought it would. It goes through and clips the bails. Shahnawaz Dahani is up and running in celebration.
Haris Rauf to Alex Hales, A single to end! Despite the two dots, 10 from the over. A full toss on middle, this is mistimed over the bowler's head and the mid on fielder mops it up.
Shahnawaz Dahani returns to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.
Haris Rauf to Alex Hales, ! Up and over! Picked his spot well! Shorter and outside off, Hales makes room and slaps it over point for a boundary. Yet again, the shot which releases the pressure comes.
Haris Rauf to Alex Hales, Almost! Luck really favouring the two English batters at the moment! Shorter and another slower one. This one stays low too. Hales looks to pull but misses. It goes just past the off pole.
Haris Rauf to Alex Hales, Swing and a miss! A good slower one, shorter and outside off, stays low. Hales looks to pull but misses.
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, Just the one as this goes to the fielder which was pushed back now! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Haris Rauf to Philip Salt, ! Just over and into the fence! Not timed again but hit well enough! Shorter and on middle, Salt looks to pull, it goes off the splice over mid-wicket. Iftikhar Ahmed runs after it but finishes second best. A boundary to begin the over. Pressure on Rauf.
More pace and serious pace to be precise. Here comes Haris Rauf.Â
Shahnawaz Dahani to Philip Salt, A quick run to end! Runs continue to come for England! Fuller and on off, this is pushed to mid off for one.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, That was a wild throw! Fuller and on middle, Hales drives it back towards the bowler. He sticks his right leg out and deflects it towards mid on. Hales is off but Salt is late in taking off. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but his throw almost hits Salt.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, ! EDGY AGAIN! Everything going England's way at the moment! Shorter and outside off, Hales swings and it goes off the outside edge, fine on the off side and into the third man fence again. Frustrating for Pakistan.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, OUCH! That might have hurt! Shorter and on middle, Hales looks to pull but misses to get hit near the box.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Philip Salt, This seems like a really good wicket! Length and on off, Salt pushes it to mid off, he hit that on the up and takes one. The ball is racing off the bat.
Shahnawaz Dahani to Alex Hales, Good run! Length and on off, this is pushed towards covers for one.
Will Mohammad Nawaz bowl another over in the Powerplay? The answer is no for now. Shahnawaz Dahani is introduced into the attack.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, Mix-up but no harm is done! End of another good over for England. They are off to a good start! On the pads, this is worked to short fine. Salt wants a run but Hales is late in taking off. The shy is at the keeper's end but the fielder misses.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, ! SAILS OVER THE FENCE! Fortunate boundary but Hales really won't mind. 10 from the last two balls. Length and outside off, Hales throws his bat at it, and the ball flies off the outside edge, over short third man and over the fence.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, ! Hales gets the boundary which releases the pressure that was building! Hales this time walks across and this is angled into his body. He tucks it past short fine leg and it races away to the fence.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, A crowd catch there! Full and outside off, Hales yet again stays leg side and has to reach out for it, it goes off the bottom edge and on the bounce to the keeper. Something has to give here. Three dots in a row.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, Good stuff from Mohammad Hasnain! Length and on off, this is guided to point.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, Hales makes a lot of room and Mohammad Hasnain cleverly bowls it full and wide outside off. Hales fails to reach it.
Mohammad Nawaz to Alex Hales, Just short! Hales is playing with fire here! Another one on the stumps, Hales hits it uppishly towards mid on but it lands just short. The fielder makes a half-stop. A run is taken. A good second over for England.
Mohammad Nawaz to Alex Hales, Just over the fielder, again! Flatter and on the stumps, Hales looks to go over mid on. He does not time it that well but hits it well enough to clear the in-ring fielder who runs back, slides and saves two for his side.
Mohammad Nawaz to Alex Hales, That stayed a little low! On middle, this is pushed to mid on.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, On the stumps, Salt pushes it down to long off for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, Hit firmly but to the fielder! Shorter and on middle, Salt makes room and slaps it but to the cover fielder.
Mohammad Nawaz to Philip Salt, ! JUST OVER! That is a brave shot with long off back! Also, Haris Rauf seemed to have jumped earlier. Salt makes room, this is tossed up on off, he lifts it to the left of Rauf who moves there near the boundary line and leaps but it goes over. JUST OVER! First biggie of the game and an excellent start to this over.
Spin from the other end. Mohammad Nawaz will roll his arm.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, He does, so apart from the first ball, that was a good over, it was bowled with pace and good lines and lengths too. On middle, this is pushed to mid on.
Mohammad Hasnain to Philip Salt, That has flown off the outside edge! Well fielded! Shorter and outside off, Salt slashes at it, and it goes off the outside edge down to third man. Usman Qadir moves to his right and stops it well. Just the one. Can Hasnain end the over well now?
Mohammad Hasnain to Philip Salt, Hits the bat hard! On a length and around off, Salt looks to drive but it hits the splice and rolls to covers. He looks for a run but it is not on.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, Hales is now off the mark! Outside off, a little bit of shape away. Hales plays it with the swing down past backward point for one.
Mohammad Hasnain to Alex Hales, That is a beauty! Good outswinger, it starts on off and shapes away. Hales pokes at it with no foot movement, he is beaten.
Mohammad Hasnain to Philip Salt, Salt misses out there! Mohammad Hasnain is lucky that did not go to the boundary! England though are underway and so is Salt. On the pads, Salt flicks but straight to short fine leg. A little to the left or the right of Shahnawaz Dahani and it would have been a boundary.
All in readiness here in Karachi. The men concerned are out in the middle. Alex Hales and Philip Salt are the English openers. Mohammad Hasnain is getting ready to serve the first over. One slip in place. Here we go...
England (Playing XI) - Philip Salt (WK), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali (C), Sam Curran, David Willey, Luke Wood, Liam Dawson (In for Richard Gleeson), Adil Rashid.
Pakistan (Playing XI) - Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Haider Ali, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Qadir, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain (In for Naseem Shah), Shahnawaz Dahani.
Toss - The coin falls in favour of Moeen Ali and ENGLAND ELECT TO BAT FIRST!
On the other hand, England will be delighted with their performance in the first game. They had far too many positives. Firstly, how well Moeen Ali led his side, then the adaptability shown by the bowlers and the two most prominent were probably the knock from Hales and Brooks. They would head into this game with a lot of confidence and a lot of momentum. Can they repeat their performance and make it 2-0? We will find out soon.