The historic Oval buzzed with anticipation on a crisp May evening as England and Pakistan locked horns in the fourth and final T20 of the series. The stakes were high – not just for series glory, but also as valuable preparation for the looming T20 World Cup. England, captained by the aggressive Jos Buttler, came into the match with momentum on their side, having secured a thrilling 23-run win in the rain-affected second encounter at Edgbaston. Pakistan, led by the experienced Babar Azam, yearned to level the series and salvage some pride.
England Clamp Down: Pakistan’s Batting Frustrations
Buttler, winning his fourth consecutive toss in the series, opted to field first, a decision that would have a significant impact on the outcome of the match. The English bowling attack, spearheaded by the wily Adil Rashid, started with discipline and control. The early swing provided by Saqib Mahmood troubled the Pakistani openers, Mohammad Rizwan and captain Babar Azam. Rizwan, known for his aggressive strokeplay, was subdued, managing only 18 runs before being trapped LBW by Rashid.
Babar Azam, the lynchpin of the Pakistani batting, looked watchful but fell victim to a brilliant piece of fielding by Dawid Malan at cover. The dismissal proved to be a turning point, as the middle order failed to capitalize. Fakhar Zaman, fresh off a string of impressive scores in domestic tournaments, showed glimpses of his talent with some powerful strokes, but perished to a well-directed short ball from Chris Jordan. Pakistan’s batting woes continued, as wickets fell at regular intervals, exposing a lack of partnerships. Mohammad Hafeez, the seasoned campaigner, tried to steady the ship but was undone by a sharp googly from Rashid.
A late cameo from Mohammad Nawaz, who smashed 30 runs off just 18 deliveries, provided some impetus to the Pakistani innings. However, the lack of substantial contributions from the top order meant they could only muster a below-par score of 157 runs. The English bowlers displayed exceptional discipline, with Rashid (2/18) and Jordan (2/24) being the pick of the attack. The fielding unit complemented the bowlers brilliantly, with Malan’s diving catch and exceptional work in the deep a highlight.
England’s Clinical Chase: Buttler and Salt Lead the Way
Chasing a modest target of 158, England openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler started with positive intent. Salt, known for his explosive approach, took the attack to the Pakistani bowlers from the outset. He dispatched Shaheen Afridi for a towering six over long-on, setting the tone for a dominant batting display. Buttler, the skipper, provided able support, playing some exquisite drives through the covers.
The duo put on a crucial partnership of 78 runs, laying a solid foundation for the chase. However, just when it seemed like England would cruise to victory, both openers departed in quick succession. Salt was caught at deep square leg attempting a pull shot, while Buttler holed out to a diving Fakhar Zaman at mid-off.
Middle Order Steps Up to Secure Victory
Despite the loss of their openers, England maintained their composure. Will Jacks, the young batting prodigy, entered the crease with a fearless attitude. He played some delightful strokes, including a switch-hit six that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Dawid Malan, the experienced campaigner, provided valuable support, rotating the strike and finding the gaps in the field. The duo stitched together a crucial partnership of 42 runs, putting England firmly in control of the chase.
Jonny Bairstow, known for his finishing prowess, came into the crease with the target within touching distance. He played with calculated aggression, finding the boundary with ease. He finished the match off in style with a trademark six, securing a comfortable seven-wicket victory for England with 14 balls to spare.
Player Performances: England’s Bowling Depth on Display
The victory was a collective effort by the English team. The bowling attack, led by Rashid’s miserly spell, showcased their depth and variety. Chris Jordan’s skiddy pace and ability to take wickets at crucial junctures were valuable contributions. Saqib Mahmood, the young pace prospect, used the swinging conditions to his advantage and troubled the Pakistani openers. While the spinners did the bulk of the wicket-taking, the pace attack played a crucial role in containing the run flow and creating pressure.
Pakistan’s Batting Woes: A Cause for Concern
Pakistan’s batting performance was a major cause for concern. The top order, which boasts experienced players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez, failed to fire consistently throughout the series. The middle order lacked the stability to build partnerships and score big runs.
