Fakhar top-scored with 47 for the visitors
08 July, 2021
PHOTO COURTESY: Reuters
Saqib Mahmood’s four-wicket haul helped England bowl out Pakistan for a modest total of 141 in the first ODI in Cardiff.
Pakistan made the worst possible start in the first ODI as Imamul Haq and Babar Azam, both, were dismissed for a duck in the very first over of the innings.
Imam was trapped lbw on the first ball by Saqib Mahmood and Babar was caught in the slips for a duck.
Mohammad Rizwan tried to counter-attack by hitting a couple of boundaries. However, he was undone by an immaculate line by Lewis Gregory and was caught behind for 13, handing the all-rounder his maiden ODI wicket.
Mahmood continued to wreck havoc as he got rid of debutant Saud Shakeel for 5 in his fourth over, leaving Pakistan reeling at 26-4.
Pakistan badly needed a partnership and in-form opener Fakhar Zaman responded by stitching a 53-run partnership with Sohaib Maqsood. Fakhar and Maqsood took advantage of England’s inexperienced bowling line-up and attacked Craig Overton and Brydon Carse.
The duo were on their way to rebuild the innings but a mix-up in the middle during the 19th over brought an end to Maqsood’s knock as he was run out for 19.
Soon after Maqsood’s departure, Pakistan was dealt a major blow as Fakhar tried to cut Matt Parkinson’s leg-spin but was caught at point for 47.
Mahmood wasn’t done yet as he returned to remove Faheem Ashraf, who was caught behind for 5.
With Pakistan seven down, Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali decided to up the ante and charge at England bowlers. They combined for a 22-run partnership before Hasan was caught at deep midwicket for 5, while trying to take on Parkinson.
Shadab continued to fight alone but soon he pulled a back of a length delivery from Overton straight down Malan's throat at deep square leg and was gone for 30.
Overton removed Shaheen Afridi for 12 to pick his second wicket and bring an end to Pakistan’s inning.
