Harry Brook and Ben Duckett tore apart Pakistan’s bowling attack as England bounced back from Thursday’s 10-wicket defeat to win the third T20I of the seven-match series by 63 runs in Karachi on Friday. England now lead the series 2-1.
Brook batted with a strike rate of 231.42 to smash 81 not out off just 35 balls, hitting eight boundaries and five sixes. Duckett was not too far behind, making 70 not out off 42 balls. They shared a 139-run partnership to help England post an intimidating 221/3 in 20 overs.
Pakistan then stumbled at the very beginning of their chase, being reduced to 29/4 in six overs. Neither captain Babar Azam nor his opening partner Mohammad Rizwan got a foothold, with both being dismissed for identical scores of 8.
England’s Mark Wood worked up a fiery pace and the Pakistan batters looked shaky facing him. Pakistan’s batting came to life after England brought on their spinners. Shan Masood and Khushdil Shah came up with a few big hits to give the home crowd something to cheer. Khushdil (33 off 19 balls) didn’t last long, falling to Adil Rashid.
Masood batted well for his 66 not out but it was always going to be a steep climb. After 15 overs, Pakistan needed 107 runs from the last 30 balls at an asking rate of 21.40.
Brief scores: England 221/3 in 20 ovs (Harry Brook 81 n.o., Ben Duckett 70 n.o.). Pakistan 158/8 in 20 overs (Shan Masood 66 not out). England won by 63 runs.
