Lahore: In what was an anticlimactic finale at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, England defeated Pakistan by 67 runs to clinch seven-match series 4-3.

Anticipation in Punjab capital was for final stanza of marathon series to go down to wire, but battle was practically over a few overs into second innings.

And even though fixture saw full 40 overs, game was anything but competitive soon after halfway mark as hosts buckled under pressure of having to chase a gargantuan 210 runs.

Earlier, England, after being invited to bat first by Babar Azam, scored 209-3. Star of show for England was Dawid Malan, who smashed an unbeaten 78 off 47 to power tourists to 209-3. He was aided by Harry Brook in second half of innings. Right-handed batter contributed a 29-ball 46 and also remained not out.

Also coming to England's aid were Pakistan fielders who generously dropped at least three catches. Biggest culprit was skipper himself, who dropped two, with Muhammad Wasim grassing third. Speaking of Wasim, it was a night to forget for pacer, who leaked 61 runs in his four overs and went wicketless. His final over was bled for 20 runs.

Wasim's off-night undid the good work of other two Pak pacers who were excellent, especially Haris Rauf, who gave up just 24 in his four overs. Spin was also ineffective for Pakistan, with Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed and Muhammad Nawaz conceding 85 runs in total in their eight overs.

The series England's first tour of Pakistan for 17 years is tied at 3-3 with visitors winning first, third and sixth games.

Pakistan made four changes from last game, bringing in Muhammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain and Khushdil Shah at expense of Shahnawaz Dahani, Muhammad Haris, Haider Ali and Aamer Jamal.

England brought back pacer Chris Woakes for Richard Gleeson in their only change.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 03 2022

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