England pull off rare feat in T20 victory over Pakistan

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 30 May 2024

England conclude the T20 series against Pakistan with a seven-wicket victory at The Oval, pulling off a rare feat in the process.

England have recorded a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan to secure a 2-0 win in the best-of-four T20 series.

The two sides went into the final fixture at The Oval having been left frustrated with two washouts ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

However, the rain stayed away in London for a full match to materialise, England starring with bat and ball to prevail with 27 balls to spare.

Jos Buttler's side now travel to the USA and West Indies for the bumper tournament, with their opening fixture coming against Scotland on June 4.

Pakistan fail to take advantage of fast start

Although England won the toss and elected to field, it initially looked like the wrong decision as Pakistan made it to 59-0 off 5.5 overs.

Within minutes, that became 65-2, Babar Azam (36) and Mohammad Rizwan (23) making their way back to the pavilion, and Usman Khan's exciting 38 from 21 balls came to an end with Pakistan on 83-3.

Much of the rest of the innings was a disaster. Three batsmen - Shadab Khan, Azam Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi - all departed for ducks having faced eight deliveries between them.

Jofra Archer took the final wicket for figures of 1-31 on just his second England game in over a year, while Mark Wood, Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone all took two wickets apiece as Pakistan were dismissed for 157 with one ball remaining.

Finished in style 🤩

A six from Harry Brook seals England a seven wicket victory and a 2-0 series win 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/LSB9iRXvoV
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) May 30, 2024

What rare feat did England pull off?

All six of England's bowlers took at least one wicket, while the remaining five players all achieved double figures with the bat.

Phil Salt and Buttler were sensational during the opening overs; Salt hit 45 from 24 and Buttler made 39 from 21.

The pair departed with England on 101-2 off just nine overs and Will Jacks was able to keep things ticking along with 20 from 18.

Jonny Bairstow (28*) and Harry Brook (17*) brought the game home, the former smashed three sixes from his 16-ball knock for his best effort in five innings when including IPL matches.

England will now make the long trip West to try to defend the trophy that they won two years ago, coincidentally against Pakistan.