Key Takeaways
- Shaheen Shah Afridi took four wickets for Pakistan.
- Ben Duckett scored a fighting century for England.
- England’s collapse owed much to Shaheen’s opening spell.
Pakistan restricted England to 241 in 46.4 overs in the One-day International tri-series match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Shaheen Shah Afridi, the Pakistan captain, was the standout performer, taking four wickets for 46 runs.
The match began with a flurry of wickets for England, as Tom Banton fell for four in the first over, followed by Joe Root for five in the third over. England captain Harry Brook was run out for one in the fourth over, adding to the early troubles.
However, Ben Duckett’s century kept England’s hopes alive. The left-hander scored 105 off 111 deliveries, including 10 fours and two sixes, anchoring the innings with well-timed shots. Duckett’s century came after he had brought up his half-century off 56 balls, reaching 100 in the 20th over.
Sam Curran provided some support, scoring 42 off 52 balls with five fours, but the innings unraveled as England lost key wickets. Shaheen returned to break the stand between Curran and Duckett in the 27th over, and Curran was dismissed for 42 off 52 balls.
Duckett continued to hold the innings together, but Arafat Minhas dismissed him in the 37th over. England then lost Will Jacks (13) to Razaullah, who took his maiden ODI wicket, and Liam Dawson (five) to Shadab Khan. Jamie Overton (10) was caught by Babar Azam at long-off.
Gus Atkinson offered late resistance with an unbeaten 36 off 28 balls, including three sixes, helping England cross 200. Shaheen ended the innings by dismissing Henry Crocombe for eight, with Babar completing the catch.
Shaheen’s performance was pivotal, as he bowled with precision and control, leaving England reeling at 19-3 inside five overs. His figures of 4-46 were instrumental in restricting England’s total.
