Pakistan once again proved why they are the most unpredictable side in the history of the game when they followed up a dreadful performance against the West Indies in their tournament opener to bounce back and post a competitve 348/8 against England at Trent Bridge on Monday (June 3).
Unlike their previous outing, their openers – Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman – put on an opening partnership of 82 runs, providing a stage for the lower order to showcase their might. By the end of the first powerplay, the openers had posted 69 on board before Fakhar lost himself to a brilliant stumping by Jos Buttler off Moeen Ali’s delivery.
Imam soon followed the suit and fell a victim to Ali. Stepping out of his crease, the left-hander sent the ball towards long off, but couldn't generate the power he would have wished, losing his wicket to Chris Woakes' brilliant catch.
At 111/2, the likes of Mohammad Hafeez and Babar Azam decided to take the matter in to their own hands. England, on their part, had a chance to break the alliance, but a dropped catch by Jason Roy meant Hafeez was given a crucial lifeline.
The 38-year-old duly capitalised and went on to score 84 off 62 balls. Azam, on the other hand, posted 63 before losing his wicket to Ali in the 33rd over. On came, captain, Sarfaraz Ahmed and alongwith Hafeez, he stretched Pakistan’s score from 199/3 to 279 before Mark Wood dissmed the latter.
Wood’s second victim came in the form of Asif Ali. Sarfaraz soon followed suit after a missed timed shot was caught by Woakes.
As far as bowling was concerned, Adil Rashid and Jofra Archer leaked runs the most. Both the bowlers went without a wicket and ended with the economy of 8.60 and 7.90 respectively. Woakes, on the other hand, gave away 71 runs in eight overs, but also had three wickets to show for.
Pakistan ended their innings with a four to set a daunting target of 349 for England, which would be a record chase at the World Cup if the Three Lions can manage to reach there.
Feature Image courtesy: AFP / Lindsey Parnaby
