England hold on for 2-0 series win
England survived a spirited rearguard effort led by Shahid Afridi to claim a narrow three-run victory over Pakistan in Dubai and complete a 2-0 series victory.
Winning the toss and opting to bat, the England top order all made solid contributions and kept the scoreboard ticking over.
James Vince top-scored with 38 off 24, while Joss Buttler made 33 and Jason Roy 29 – both off 22 deliveries.
Joe Root also chipped in with 20 and Chris Woakes hit a quickfire 15 off seven balls at the death to help England to a competitive 172/8 from their 20 overs.
Afridi was far and away the best bowler for Pakistan, conceding just 13 runs from his four overs and picking up three wickets, while Anwar Ali also claimed two scalps.
The Pakistan top order also fired, with openers Ahmed Shehzad and Rafatullah Mohmand combining for a half-century stand before Mohommad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik also made decent contributions.
All four batsmen perished in the 20s, however, leaving the middle and lower order with the task of completing the chase.
Wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals, and Pakistan looked dead and buried before Shahid Afridi came to the party.
The all-rounder smashed 24 runs from just eight deliveries to revitalise Pakistan's chase, sending the game right down to the wire.
Afridi would perish after smashing three sixes in the 18th over, and while the tailenders came desperately close to snatching a victory at the death, Chris Woakes dismissed Sarfraz Ahmed in the final over and conceded just seven runs as England held on for a three-run victory.
Latest
-
NewsOllie Pope and Hashim Amla post record partnership as Surrey dominate Hampshire
Surrey are on course for a first win of the season at the fourth attempt.
-
NewsQuestions to be answered about England’s top order before Ashes – Mike Gatting
England suffered a series of low scores in their recent Test series defeat to India.
-
NewsSophie Ecclestone relishing chance to make history in The Hundred
The England spinner will lobby Manchester Originals captain Kate Cross to let her bowl the first ball as their women’s team launch the new format.
-
NewsTon up for Sir Alastair Cook while Durham and Surrey take control
Several current and former England players caught the eye on day one of the round four matches in the LV= Insurance County Championship.
-
NewsECB works with Lord’s Taverners to launch £2m initiative in disability cricket
The project will see the Super 1s disability cricket programme expanded to every county in England and Wales with table cricket also developed.
-
NewsHaseeb Hameed keen to build on return to touch after prolonged loss of form
The former Lancashire opener played three times for England in 2016 before a big drop in form.
-
NewsMarnus Labuschagne admits being overlooked for IPL was ‘blessing in disguise’
The 26-year-old batsman has returned to Glamorgan after a productive spell with the county in 2019.
-
NewsOn this day in 2007: Australia secure third straight World Cup crown
It was their fourth global title overall, with a fifth to follow in 2015.
-
NewsIPL to play on for ‘humanity’ as BCCI makes assurances to overseas players
India star Ravichandran Ashwin has stepped aside to help support his extended family.
-
News5 county players who have given England a nudge
The opening rounds of the County Championship have given England head coach Chris Silverwood some food for thought.