Pakistan beats England by 31 runs in the first T20 played at Trent Bridge.
In a reply to the devastating whitewash in the ODI, men in green came strongly to set their highest t20 total of 232-6 for England to overcome. Captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper/batsmen Muhammad Rizwan played a heroic opening partnership of 150 runs, Pakistan’s second-highest partnership for any wicket in this format.
Adding more to the scorecards were the bats of Mohammad Hafeez and Fakhar Zaman. England’s Tom Curran took 2 wickets for 47 runs.
Read more: Babar Azam breaks PM Khan’s record in England, receives praise from India
England knew they had to perform equally well to outdo Pakistan and Livingstone made a record century on 42 balls for that very cause. However, after his dismissal at 103, England’s tail-enders became the victim to Shaheen Shah and Shahdab Khan who took 3 wickets each. Shaheen was awarded the man of the match for his 3/30 in 3.2 overs.
Fans’ reaction
Pakistani fans both in England and around the world rejoice as Pakistan registers its first win against England in this tour. This is also Pakistan’s first win of 2021. Previously, the team had been severely criticized after their 0-3 whitewash by England in ODI.
#CongratulationsPakistan became the top trend on Twitter and everyone had something to say as Pakistan maintains its unpredictability by losing from a ‘B’ team and winning against the ‘A’ team.
What a game! Awesome come back by the boys in green after a bad patch. One minute down, next minute up 🇵🇰😉 lets win this series InshaAllah !!! #ENGvsPAK
— Asim Azhar (@AsimAzharr) July 16, 2021
That’s the end!!! Congratulations team Pakistan 🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰 just listen to the crowd!! Beautiful game of cricket. Pakistan is back!!! 🇵🇰🇵🇰🔥🔥 #ENGvsPAK pic.twitter.com/NtjJcaWZzJ
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) July 16, 2021
Picture of the day because hell yeah we were on fire today 🔥 #ENGvsPAK pic.twitter.com/6J2C5BAQ0B
— Sudrish Khan (@SudrishK) July 16, 2021
T20 World cup
In other news, the groups for the upcoming T20 world cup have been announced and Pakistan and India have been placed in the same group. India and Pakistan are placed in Group 2 along with World Test Championship winners New Zealand and Afghanistan which means that both the teams will play head to head to qualify.
The World Cup is all set to be played from October 17 to November 14 in UAE and Oman.
Read more: India losses hosting of T20 World Cup