NEW DELHI: Defending champions England secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan at The Oval on Thursday, marking their final match before defending their T20 World Cup title.
Pakistan were restricted to a modest 157, thanks to leg-spinner Adil Rashid’s impressive figures of 2 for 27, earning him the player-of-the-match award.
England’s chase began explosively, with Phil Salt (45) and captain Jos Buttler (39) putting together a rapid 82-run opening partnership in just seven overs. The match concluded with Harry Brook hitting a six off paceman Haris Rauf, who was Pakistan’s standout bowler with figures of 3 for 38. England reached their target with more than three overs to spare, securing a 2-0 series win after the matches at Headingley and Cardiff were washed out.
“We have worked hard in training and there is a good feeling around the squad,” Buttler told Sky Sports. “Guys are all stepping up and performing.”
Buttler, leading England after his wife gave birth to their third child following his impressive 84 in the hosts’ 23-run win in the second T20 at Edgbaston, expressed confidence in the team’s preparation.
Earlier, Pakistan made a promising start, reaching 59 without loss after losing the toss in overcast conditions at The Oval. However, they collapsed to 86 for 5, beginning with captain Babar Azam being caught at slip for a well-made 36 off fast bowler Jofra Archer, while fellow quick Mark Wood claimed two wickets with well-directed bouncers.
“It would have been nice to get two more games in to expose a few guys to different situations,” Buttler added. “But we have really good experience in the group and a lot of guys have been playing in the IPL (Indian Premier League), so we are not short of cricket.”
England will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Scotland in Barbados on June 4, while 2009 champions Pakistan will face co-hosts the United States in Dallas two days later.
