Torpedo of a game
11 losses in a row. However, Pakistan is known to do impossible things and yet again they delivered the sucker punch to the most fancied team of World Cup 2019, the hosts England.
Pakistan had lost the bilateral series 4-0, so this revenge or grudge match victory has washed away the bitter taste.
Pitch
This is the same pitch where 481 was scored by England and against the same team, Pakistan, England chased 341 to set up a comfortable win.
So, it was a batting paradise and it remained true to its nature.Pakistan innings
When you get an opening partnership of 82 at run a ball, the foundation is well laid. However, all top 5 batsmen scored 40+ in quick time and that became the fulcrum of a big score of 348.
A score which is yet to be chased in world cup.
Highlight of batting was the ball on which Mohd. Hafeez danced down the wicket. Normally a defensive player, Hafeez scored 84 runs in 62 balls. So, the canvass was scripted in dressing room to attack.
English BowlingThey got inspired by short stuff of West Indies and bowled on both sides of the wicket. All fast bowlers were taken to cleaners. 20 extras show the no of wides thrown by pacers. Late introduction of Adil Rashid was another glaring error. So, England gave 50 runs more than required.
English chase
The figure of 349 didn't daunt the spirit of English players was no surprise as they have chased every score since 2015 in British soil.
Despite the early loss of Jason Roy, the century by Root and Butler kept them in a game till 45th over. It was the fielding of Pakistan which saved 20 runs and they took good catches to restrict England. The batsmen deserve accolades for keeping the cool head under immense pressure to score 334.
Pakistan BowlingThey bowled with in their limitations. Only Wahab was asked to attack by bouncers or Yorkers and he got 3 crucial wickets. Credit should go to Sarfaraz for introducing Shadab early and he didn't disappoint. Special mention is needed for Hafiz and Shoaib to take 2 wickets and they had the best economy rate. Inclusion of Wahab in team as wicket taker was justified so exclusion of Junaid is justified. So 2nd highest run chase of world cup history ended in a loss but Cricket won. Mohd. Hafeez truly deserved his MOM award for his all-round display.
Awaiting cracker of Match with India on 16th when whole of India will be glued to witness the clean slate maintained by India against Pakistan in world cup.
