Defending champions England displayed an excellent all-around performance, securing a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan at the Oval on Thursday. This win marked their final competitive match before they embark on defending their Twenty20 World Cup title.
With this triumph, England clinched the four-match T20 series 2-0, as matches at Headingley and Cardiff were abandoned due to rain without any play.
England got off to a flying start while chasing a modest target of 158, with Phil Salt (45) and captain Jos Buttler (39) sharing a rapid opening partnership of 82 runs.
Harry Brook sealed the victory with a six as England reached 158-6, winning with 27 balls remaining.
Earlier, England restricted Pakistan to 157 runs after the visitors had a strong start at 59-0 in the sixth over. However, they collapsed to 86-5, triggered by the dismissal of captain Babar Azam for 36 runs.
Azam, after hitting two consecutive fours off Jofra Archer, was caught at slip off the next ball from the express pace bowler.
Adil Rashid claimed 2-27 in his four overs, while spinner Liam Livingstone struck twice in one over. Fast bowler Mark Wood also contributed with two wickets, using well-directed bouncers.
Following a brief rain interruption, Usman Khan’s brisk 38 helped Pakistan recover to 126-6.
