Azhar’s highest ODI score since making a century against Zimbabwe in Lahore last May and some effective scampering from Sarfraz had provided a platform for Pakistan but the late charge towards 300 never really materialised. Yasir Shah missed out in the opening game, something Arthur acknowledged would have to change, while he was also pondering whether better use could be made of the in-form Sarfraz Ahmed who compiled a lively 55 off 58 balls in Southampton.
Advertisement
Earlier, Pakistan were held to a modest 260-6, with captain Azhar Ali top-scoring with 82 after he won the toss.
Azhar Ali, Pakistan’s captain, conceded that his side were at least 30 runs short, having failed to summon a more explosive finish to their innings.
But his innings ended when a lofted drive off spinner Mohammad Nawaz was brilliantly caught just inside the boundary by Babar, running round from long-off.
He received five minutes’ treatment after a quick-fire 20 from 14 balls, appearing to complain of dizziness and vision issues.
It may mean more no-balls being called, which in turn will lead to an increase in free hits and more chances for a batsman to have a risk-free attempt at whacking a four or six.
Nevertheless, Azhar was able to enjoy the south-coast sunshine and bask briefly in a little reflected success before turning his attention to the challenge ahead in the five-match series against England.
Azhar, however, was twice dropped on 9.
England included Jos Buttler and Mark Wood, both back in the side after injury, and the Durham seamer needed just 19 balls to claim his first wicket, his extra pace beating Sharjeel Khan (16) on the pull and taking the edge – his first global scalp since October 2015.
Babar Azam made 40 before being dismissed lbw after Rashid’s appeal was granted, even though replays showed he edged the ball before it struck his pads.
But by that stage Pakistan had used up their lone review of the innings.
Roy, 26, has aspirations of becoming a Test opener and his latest star turn, allied with another Alex Hales failure, helped those claims as he won the man of the match award here.
Azhar completed his fifty, taking 84 balls to get to the landmark.
Roy overcame a dizzy spell to blitz a 56-ball 65 to ensure England were well ahead of the rate before the rain delays began after 34 overs of the home side’s reply.
Satisfied with his contribution in victory, man of the match Roy feels he must continue to produce the goods in his quest for Test recognition.
Advertisement
Pakistan, following its results in England, and India’s rain-affected fourth Test draw with the West Indies in Port-of-Spain, is now No. 1 in the Test rankings for the first time in history.
