Pakistan came back strongly after their first match loss against the West Indies to score a shocking 14-run win over hosts and favourites England in their second match in the 2019 ICC World Cup match played on Monday at Trent Bridge.

Winning the toss and electing to bowl, England could not restrict the Pakistan batsman who piled up runs at will and posted an excellent score of 348 for eight in 50 overs. Openers Iman-ul-Haq (44, 58b, 3×4, 1×6) and Fakhar Zaman 36 (40b, 4×4) gave them a good start by adding 82-runs for the opening wicket. The innings was further consolidated by some resolute batting by Babar Azam 63 (66b, 4×4, 1×6) and Md. Hafeez 84 (62b, 8×4, 2×6). These two added 88-vital runs for the third wicket.

Skipper Safraz chipped in with a quick-fire 55 (44b, 5x4s) and added 8-runs for the fourth wicket with Hafeez, which took the Pakistan score to stability. Chris Woakes took three for 71 and he was well supported by Moeen Ali (three for 50) and Mark Wood (two for 53).

England falter

In reply, England, despite some excellent rear-guard action by centurions Joe Root (107, 104b, 10×4, 1×6) and Jos Butler 103 (76b, 9×4, 2×6), who added 130-runs for the fifth wicket, could only end up scoring 334 for nine in 50 overs.

J. Bairstow (32), Chris Woakes (21) and Moeen Ali (19) were the other scorers. Wahab Riaz excelled and took three for 82. He was well-supported by leg-spinner Shadab Khan (two for 63) and Mohammad Amir (two for 67).

Pakistan won by 14-runs and Pakistan’s bowlers struck vital blows and England kept losing wickets from time to time and could not pull out a win despite centuries by Joe root and Jos Butler. Mohammad Hafeez was chosen as the Player of the Match.

Scores

Pakistan: 348 for 8 in 50 overs bt England: 334 for 9 in 50 overs.