Sam Billings was understandably thrilled after his first worldwide fifty helped England secure a 14-run win in the first Twenty20 global against Pakistan in Dubai.
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Debutant Vince struck a 36-ball 41 with a six and six boundaries and added 76 for the fourth wicket with Morgan before he was bowled by fast bowler Riaz in the 14th over.
They need to win the series, by at least a 2-1 margin, to maintain their standing, a fact that captain Shahid Afridi says will spur on his team.
The 100 was eventually brought up with 31 deliveries left to go and Billings (54) and Morgan (45no) scored at a rate of nearly two-runs-a-ball thereafter, with the former reaching his half-century (50no, including five fours and two sixes, off 34 balls) prior to being run out by fellow gloveman Sarfraz Ahmed right at the death.
Pakistan’s success against Zimbabwe has contributed to their recent record, one of which Afridi is proud – albeit in the knowledge more finetuning is needed ahead of the World Twenty20 in India next year.
Sarfraz Ahmed made 20 runs off 13 balls that included a lucky over-throw boundary that was deflected off his bat as he dived to make his ground in an attempt for a quick second run.
Pakistan are hampered by the absence of ace spinner Saeed Ajmal, the highest wicket-taker in all Twenty20 cricket with 85.
Pakistan, which holds second rank in the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 rankings, is set to play two consecutive T20 matches against eighth-ranked England on November 26 and November 27.
Sam Billings was extremely well held at long-on by Umar Akmal, who had to catch the ball and throw it back in to collect his own parry and avoid stepping on the rope.
Liam Plunkett, who had not taken part in a competitive match on the tour until his three wickets in the first T20, was man of the match for his 3-33.
Jos Buttler, Joe Root, David Willey and Chris Woakes are back in the side, with Buttler leading the side as Eoin Morgan, along with Chris Jordan, Moeen Ali and Reece Topley, have been rested. “To have the guts and balls to bowl that final over as well as he did is great testament to him”. “We didn’t play our best, Afridi played as only he can but we got over the line”, stand-in captain Buttler said.
“Moving forward I think we can improve in every single area – batting, bowling and fielding – so as a squad that’s hugely exciting”. Hopefully today we did that.
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“But I really enjoyed the responsibility, the pressure of it – and it certainly makes the game a bit more emotional”.
