DUBAI: Through a stupendous performance in all departments of the game,
England emerged as winners of the Twenty20 series, defeating Pakistan in two successive matches of the three match series.
Posting a challenging 172 for 8, a total never chased in any Twenty 20 match in UAE,
England registered a nail-biting three run victory over Pakistan in front of a packed
Dubai International Stadium.
The 24,000 fans, mostly expats from Pakistan, had expected their team to pull off a sensational win after skipper Shahid Afridi smashed a blistering eight-ball 24 with three sixes and a boundary.
Afridi took 22 off the 18th over by Woakes but his dismissal on the last ball left Pakistan to score 25 off the last two overs. Pakistan's batsmen were once again reckless as most of them got good starts but failed to capitalise.Ahmed Shehzad top-scored with an 18-ball 28 with two fours and as many sixes.
England paceman Liam Plunkett bowled with fire and venom to finish with 3-33 while leg-spinner Adil Rashid grabbed 2-18 in his four probing overs.
"First I want to congratulate
England as they are playing really well," said Afridi.
"But we have to improve our fitness and fielding before the World T 20 (next year in India).
Source: Hindustan Times