2nd T20I Highlights | Pakistan vs England: Babar Azam hit an unbeaten 110 off 66 balls as Pakistan beat England by 10 wickets in the second T20I of the seven-match series and set a new world record.
Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam chased down 200 against England with three balls to spare and without losing a single wicket.
A world record unbeaten 203-runs partnership that was devastating in its brutality but delectable in its beauty.
Babar scored his second T20I century in 62 balls, while Rizwan’s unbeaten 51-ball 88 provided more than adequate support.
The wicket seemed especially slow in the first innings, so England’s 199 was well above par at the time.
That came from two contrasting innings from England’s middle order, with Ben Duckett’s pragmatic shot-making.
Laying the groundwork for Moeen Ali‘s furious elegance which saw him caress an undefeated 55 off 23 balls.
Given that Babar had stated at the toss that 160 was the upper limit of what Pakistan wanted to chase, England appeared unbeatable.
But, despite all of Pakistan’s strike rate issues, there has never been any evidence that Babar and Rizwan aren’t at their best when chasing a total, no matter what that total may be.
After all, they scored 204 against South Africa in April 2021 with a 197-run partnership, and they were more than capable of subjecting England’s bowling to relentlessly attacking cricket.
The powerplay produced 59 points, and the openers continued in the same vein as the visitors ran out of ideas.
However, Alex Hales grassing Rizwan in the powerplay was a game-changing moment as a virtually chanceless opening pair timed the chase to perfection to secure a stunning 10-wicket win.
Contrasting Styles by Duckett and Moeen
It’s hard to understand what type of surface would be needed to ensure Moeen and Duckett flourish, but this Karachi strip looks to be one of them.
Because of the slow character, Duckett was forced to rely almost entirely on the paddle and reverse sweep, which he used significantly.
A quickfire 50-run stand with Phil Salt propelled England ahead, and by the time Mohammad Nawaz caught Duckett, he had scored what appeared to be an extremely useful 22-ball 43 in an otherwise tricky inning for England.
After that, Moeen took over, punishing every error in line and length of which there were plenty on an off-day for Pakistan’s bowlers.
And, making a mockery of the notion that this pitch might not be suitable for conventional shot-making.
He made no distinction between spin and pace, sending the final two deliveries of Usman Qadir and Mohammad Hasnain’s last overs sailing over the ropes.
It was a breathtaking combination of timing, power, and beauty, an all-around treat for the eyes that appeared to be the point of difference at the time.
The Lethal Combination | Pakistan vs England, 2nd T20I Highlights
There’s not much point in talking about anything else.
England has the better power hitters, a more robust middle order, and significantly more batting weapons that mohammad rizwan w babar.
In the first game, these two put up a solid opening stand only to see their teammates crumble under pressure, and it appeared they realized solid wasn’t going to cut it.
They might have to do everything themselves.
Rizwan’s first over began with a couple of boundaries on either side of the square.
Early on, Rizwan led the charge as the captain took his time settling in, but a couple of clobbered limitations off Sam Curran suggested Babar, too, was getting back into form.
After the pace bowlers were exhausted, Moeen turned to Liam Dawson’s spin, but 13 runs off the sixth over suggested Pakistan would not give the visitors any respite.
Pakistan vs England, 2nd T20I Highlights
Highlights of the second T20I between Pakistan and England: Babar Azam hit an unbeaten 110 off 66 balls as Pakistan beat England by ten wickets in the second T20I of the seven-match series at Karachi’s National Stadium.
Rizwan w Babar Azam didn’t sweat as Pakistan chased down a target of 200 with three balls to spare.
Rizwan was also unbeaten on 88 from 51 deliveries. Pakistan now leads the series 1-1, with the third game scheduled for Friday.
Earlier, stand-in captain Moeen Ali hit an unbeaten 55 off 23 balls to help England post a substantial total of 199 for five in 20 overs against Pakistan in Karachi.
Moeen hit four fours and four sixes to set a target of 200 for Pakistan.
Youngster Harry Brook also made a 31-run cameo to keep England in the game.
Pursuing Phil Salt and Ben Duckett, Nawaz fired Duckett after he ramped his way to a 22-ball 43.
Harry Brook and Moeen Ali will try to speed up the innings in the final seven overs.
Haris Rauf ended Phil Salt’s misery in the 12th over by castling the England opener.
Salt, 30 balls of 27, failed to capitalize on a solid start, and After the powerplay, it appeared that they had run out of ideas.
Earlier in the powerplay, Shahnawaz Dahani struck twice, quickly dismissing Alex Hales and Dawid Malan.