Pakistan won the toss and put England to bat. It was again a flat deck at Old Trafford and run-fest was expected. England didn’t start well as Roy after hitting a six and a four got out in the first over itself. Malan’s dismal form continues as he also departed early. Jos bossed the innings by playing the second fiddle in both the partnerships that he had with Moen Ali and Liam Livingstone. Both were on fire and Jos was happy to give the strike to his partners.
Jos got out after scoring a quick fifty and England was on the course of scoring over 220 but then Pakistan bulled things back nicely. First, it was Butler who got out, and then Livingstone getting run out in one of the most bizarre ways. This was one of those days when England went out with one less batter but their bowlers Tom Curran and Chris Jordan are no mug with the bat and they hit few boundaries to make sure that England at least reaches 200. 201 was the target and Pakistan started well.
Babar and Rizwan played few shots but once Babar got out things started looking difficult for Pakistan. Shoaib Maqsood played one shot too many and perished and then wickets started falling and Pakistan could never recover. None of the batsmen looked good and it was only after the match was over, Shadab and Imad provided some momentum to Pakistan’s inning.
Pakistan could only manage 155 and the series is now leveled 1-1. England spinners were superb and they were the difference between the two sides. The decider of the series will be played on Tuesday and with the series tied, it is going to be another cracker of a contest. England rested Morgan to give Butler the captaincy but he might be back for the final game and given the way Malan has performed, he or Baristow might have to make way for him.
