Australia

England beat Pakistan in unnecessary warm-up

A largely pointless World Cup warm-up that has forced England back to Brisbane from Perth has given Jos Butler’s side one advantage, with Ben Stokes showing signs of a return to form.

Stokes had struggled since returning to ODI cricket on this tour, but made 36 in 18 balls as England beat Pakistan by six wickets in a low-key incident at Gabba.

Liam Livingston also returned from an ankle injury, scoring 28 in 16 pitched, and Harry Brooke’s 45 outs on 24 helped England easily overhaul their 161-run target.

The pair seem to be in a shootout for one middle-of-the-road spot, and what happened at Gabba may have nothing to do with who they pick.

After all, the match had no official T20 status – both teams were allowed to participate in as many 15-man teams as they wanted – and although it boils down to the International Cricket Council’s mandate. There were no fans in attendance. Armsiemer David Willie admitted that England were “not without it”.

There were also borderline-laden cameos from Stokes and Sam Curran (33 outs 14 outs) and England overhauled their targets with 26 balls left in a match that was reduced to 19 overs each due to rain.

Their aim was aided by Tinsel Fielding from Pakistan. This included Livingston being taken down from back-to-back deliveries, though he briefly shone with some meaty sixes.

One cleared the ground and underscored his status as one of the world’s greatest batsmen, with Livingston also taking 8–1 from two overs to put the brakes on Pakistan after a quick start.

Neither Babar Azam nor Mohammad Rizwan were hitters for the Pakistan national team captained by Shadav Khan, but after being promoted to the opener, Shan Massoud led his side with 39 out of 22 out of 160 balls. recorded the score.

England used eight different bowlers, with only Chris Jordan achieving four overs of the quota and Willie being the attacking pick finishing with figures of 22-2.

Alex Hales and Phil Salt started England’s reply, but Butler dropped out of the order and didn’t hit at all in the event, but neither made double figures.

England return to Perth for their World Cup opener against Afghanistan on Saturday.

England beat Pakistan in unnecessary warm-up

Source link England beat Pakistan in unnecessary warm-up

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