England bounced back from a 10 wicket defeat (albeit with only three balls to spare) to record an imperious victory in Pakistan, in the third T20I of their seven match series. Video highlights, below from Sky Sports.
Harry Brook (81*) and Ben Duckett (70*) both shone once more with the bat, and showed what might have been yesterday as they were both unbeaten making big scores. Brook’s 81 came from just 35 balls, as he frequently stepped out of his crease to make length balls half volleys and smash them for six, as well as playing ramps and other improvised shots to keep the bowlers honest.
These two big scores, on top of an excellent foundation provided by Will Jacks, who made a quickfire 40, meant England set a total of 221/3, which is just staggering.
Pakistan had to face additional fire-power from England’s returning bowlers, not least Mark Wood, who was clocked at a mind-blowing 97MPH en route to bagging three wickets for 24 runs.
Reese Topley was also excellent, picking up one wicket for an even tighter 22 runs from 4 overs, showing just how hard he is to score from, and making a big, big case for his T20 credentials ahead of the world cup.
Dawson, Rashid and Ali went for a few more runs, but this was perhaps to be expected with such tight quick bowling on offer, and such a difficult total. Rashid picked up a nice brace of wickets, but cost 32 runs from his 4 overs, as Pakistan could only muster 158/8 showing that, perhaps, their batting has little depth, in contrast to England.
With Wood back, and their astonishing batting prowess at white ball cricket, England are starting to look like a formidable T20 side. Brook and Duckett are destructive, and stringing good performances together, at present.
