LAHORE, Sep 28: Pakistan debutant Aamer Jamal defended 15 runs in the final over to help the Babar Azam-led side seal a thrilling five-run win over England in the fifth T20I in Lahore and take a 3-2 lead in the seven-match series on Wednesday. This is the lowest T20I total defended in Pakistan.
Earlier, Pakistan wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan played a valiant 63-run knock after England pacers wreaked havoc to bowl out the hosts for 145 in the fifth T20I.
Pakistan got off to a poor start as the home side lost captain Babar Azam cheaply after England captain Moeen Ali won the toss and opted to bowl first. Shan Masood combined with Rizwan to add 25 runs for the second wicket. The pair appeared to have settled but Shan failed to execute a ramp shot off David Willey after scoring seven runs.
After Masood’s exit, the side began to lose wickets at a frustrating rate and only Iftikhar Ahmed and Aamir Jamal managed to amass double-figures besides top-scorer Rizwan, who carried his bat till the 18th over.
The top-ranked T20I batter scored 63 off 46 deliveries with the help of two boundaries and three sixes. Mark Wood led the bowling attack for England as he returned with bowling figures of 3/20, while Sam Curran and David Willey bagged two each. Chris Woakes, on the other hand, struck out a batter. (Agencies)
