Mohammad Hafeez’s century helps Pakistan beat England by 6 wickets in 1st ODI at Abu Dhabi
Mohammad Hafeez's century helps Pakistan beat England by 6 wickets in 1st ODI at Abu Dhabi
Pakistan have beaten England by six wickets in the first One-Day International (ODI) of the four-match series at Abu Dhabi. England were chasing target of 217 to win the match and despite making a stuttering start, they finally got their without any hiccups in the end. Mohammad Hafeez was the star with the bat as he scored an unbeaten ton, carrying on his form from the Tests into the shorter format. He was well supported by Babar Azam at the other end, who remained unbeaten on 62. Reece Topley had made the early inroads dismissing Azhar Ali, Bilal Asif and Younis Khan cheaply. Hafeez built a decent partnership with Shoaib Malik, but he threw his wicket away when he was looking set. Full Scorecard: Pakistan vs England 2015, 1st ODI at Abu Dhabi
England failed to make any more inroads after that as Pakistan cruised to a comfortable win. This is the last ODI match for veteran Pakistan batsman Younis Khan, who announced his retirement before the play started. He was dismissed for nine, which brings an end to a career, which consisted of seven tons. Live updates: Pakistan vs England 2015, 1st ODI at Abu Dhabi
Earlier, Half-centuries from Eoin Morgan and James Taylor ensure that England finish 236 for 8 in their 50 overs in the first One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan. England were rocked after losing the first three wickets in quick succession in the fourth over with just 14 runs on the board. Mohammad Irfan removed Jason Roy for a duck off the second ball of the innings. Star batsman Joe Root was the next one to fall, again for a duck. Alex Hales played a couple of good shots but he could not last long and was dismissed for just 10. James Taylor then joined his skipper Eoin Morgan at the crease and England’s resurrection.
Chris Woakes and David Willey were given the task of playing out the rest of the overs. Woakes played well as he was the last man to be dismissed for 33. Pakistan have fielded extremely well throughout the innings. They have stopped crucial runs and have also taken some excellent catch. That could eventually turn out to be the difference between two teams.
Earlier, England had won the toss and elected to bat first. England are without James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who have been rested for the ODI series. Ben Stokes misses out after suffering an injury in the final Test t Sharjah.
Brief Scores:
England 216 for 8 in 49.4 Overs (Eoin Morgan 76, James Taylor 60; Mohammad Irfan 3 for 35 Anwar Ali 2 for 32) lost to Pakistan 217 for 4 in 43.4 Overs (Mohammad Hafeez 102*, Babar Azam 62*; Reece Topley 3 for 26, Moeen Ali 1 for 32) by 6 wickets.
Man of the match: Mohammad Hafeez