Title: England still in the tournament, beat Pakistan

Desc:

England stayed in the ICC World Twenty20 tournament after defeating Pakistan by 48 runs in their must-win Group B match at the Oval in London on Sunday.

Going into the match, England's chances of making the super-eight stage were very thin following the humiliating defeat to the Netherlands in their opening match on Friday. But, facing early elimination from the home event, their top-order responded magnificently as they posted a challenging 185 for 5 after being sent in to bat.

Kevin Pietersen made a timely return to the side and scored a masterly 58. He was well-supported by man of the match Luke Wright (34) and Owais Shah (33).

England then restricted Pakistan to 137 for 7 in their 20 overs. Though skipper Younus Khan held one end up with a defiant unbeaten 46, Pakistan failed to recover from a top-order collapse.

Stuart Broad (3 for 17) caused the early damage by dismissing Kamran Akmal (6) and Salman Butt (28) with consecutive deliveries in the sixth over after Dimitri Mascarenhas had got rid off Ahmad Shahzad (4).

Younus and Shoaib Malik (20) offered resistance and revived the innings with a 46-run partnership, but the required run-rate soared over 12 runs per over. And once Malik was caught behind off Wright, Younus was left stranded as his teammates came and departed in a hurry.

Earlier, Pietersen and Wright shared a 53-run stand for the second wicket to set the tone for England's innings with a 16-ball 34.
Pietersen also added 66 for the third wicket with Owais Shah (33) after Pakistan put England in to bat.

For Pakistan, Umar Gul (2-37) and Ajmal (2-23) did well but could not prevent England from putting up an imposing total.
Pakistan's buttered-fingered fielders only helped England's cause as they dropped catches, missed run-out opportunities and gave away some easy runs.

The 17-year-old Mohammed Aamer began well for his side by picking the wicket of the dangerous Bopara in the second ball of his first over.

Pietersen continued his splendid batting in the company of Collingwood until Ajmal came to bowl towards end.
Dimitri Mascarenhas (16) and James Foster (14) then chipped in with useful contributions towards the end.

Read more news