England Lions seal T20 series against Pakistan Shaheens
James Coles’ all-round performance led the England Lions to victory in the T20 series against the Pakistan Shaheens here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
With a set of 184 runs, the Pakistan Shaheens were bowled out for 151 in 19.3 overs.
Maaz Sadaqat and skipper Shamyl Hussain added 40 runs for the opening partnership at the wicket.
Shamyl scored 20 runs from 15 with the help of two sixes and a four.
Following his wicket, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Baig stabilized the innings with a score of 29 runs.
However, Maaz’s wicket in the ninth over triggered a mini-collapse that halted the Pakistan Shaheens’ progress.
The left-hander scored 32 runs from 25, including two sixes and two fours, as Pakistan collapsed to 78-5 in 11.4 overs.
With the required run rate rising, Saad Masood and Hasan Nawaz teamed up for a 48-run partnership, taking the score to 126 in 16.4 overs.
However, the situation came to a head, ending Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the target.
Saad Masood held on with a strong 30 off 17, hitting two sixes and two fours.
For the England Lions, James Coles was the star with the ball, picking up four wickets.
Earlier, batting first, the England Lions had posted a total of 183-5 in their 20 overs.
James Coles was the star with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 48 off 30 balls, hitting two sixes and four boundaries.
Ben McKinney was the other notable batsman, totaling 38 off 25, with six fours.
For Pakistan, Shahid Aziz remained the favorite among the players, taking two wickets.
The third and final match of the T20 series will be played on February 24 at the same stadium.
