LAHORE: Debutant Aamir Jamal held his nerves calm to defend 15 runs off the final over as he leaked just nine runs to power Pakistan to a thrilling six-run victory over England in the fifth T20I of the seven-match series before wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan shone with a valiant knock of 63.

Batting first on the invitation of England captain Moeen Ali, the home side was off to a poor start as their captain Babar Azam perished cheaply for nine. Following the early slump, Shan Masood and Rizwan looked to script recovery as they added a gritty 25 runs for the second wicket. The pair appeared to have settled but Shan failed to execute a ramp shot off David Willey. He scored seven off eight deliveries.

Following his dismissal, 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. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 29 2022

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