Harry Brook took high billing as England warmed up for the T20 World Cup with a six-wicket win over Pakistan in a low-key affair at Brisbane.
Liam Livingstone marked his return from an ankle harm with 28 from 16 deliveries whereas Brook’s 45 not out off 24 balls helped England overhaul a 161-run goal with ease.
The pair appear to be in a shootout for one middle-order spot in England’s first World Cup match in opposition to Afghanistan in Perth and it might be that what occurred on the Gabba has no bearing on who they select.
After all, this match had no official T20 standing – with each side allowed to dip into as a lot of their 15-man squads as they needed – and there have been no followers current for what boiled all the way down to an International Cricket Council obligation, one left-arm seamer David Willey admitted England “could do without”.
There had been additionally boundary-laden cameos from Ben Stokes (36 off 18) and Sam Curran (33 not out off 14) as England overhauled their goal with 26 balls to spare in a match diminished to 19 overs every attributable to rain.
Their trigger was helped by some shoddy fielding from Pakistan, which included Livingstone being dropped off successive deliveries though he briefly sparkled with a few meaty sixes.
One cleared the bottom, which underlined his standing as one of many greatest hitters on this planet, whereas Livingstone additionally took one for eight from two overs, placing the brakes on Pakistan after a quick begin.
Neither Babar Azam nor Mohammad Rizwan batted for Pakistan, who had been captained by Shadab Khan, however Shan Masood top-scored with 39 from 22 balls in his aspect’s 160 for eight after being promoted to opener.
England used eight totally different bowlers, with solely Chris Jordan finishing his four-over quota, whereas Willey was the decide of the assault as he completed with figures of two for 22.
Jos Buttler dropped down the order – and within the occasion didn’t bat in any respect – as Alex Hales and Phil Salt started England’s reply, though neither made it to double figures.
Earlier, India took 4 wickets in 4 balls to assert an unlikely six-run victory over Australia on the similar venue.
Tasked with defending seven off the final 4 deliveries, Mohammed Shami, bowling his first over of the match, took three wickets whereas there was additionally a run out as Australia capitulated on the loss of life.
Source: www.unbiased.co.uk