England beat Pakistan in crucial Twenty20 match

England booked a place in the second round of the World Twenty20 with a 48-run win over Pakistan at the Oval. Two days after a shock four-wicket loss to the Netherlands, the hosts bounced back to record a win which, because their net run-rate became superior to that of the Dutch, ensured their progress in the tournament.
Pakistan, finalists at the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa two years ago, now face a make or break Group B clash against the Netherlands at Lord`s on Tuesday.
Despite doubts he will be fit enough for the Ashes series, Kevin Pietersen came back from an Achilles injury with 58 to lead England to a total of 5-185 after missing the Dutch debacle.
Pakistan, chasing 186 for victory, saw Stuart Broad take two wickets in as many balls to reduce them to 3-41 at the end of the six-over powerplay.
Kamran Akmal holed out to Luke Wright at deep mid-wicket before opener Salman Butt exited for 28.
Pace bowler Broad led England`s attack with three for 17 from three overs.
Pakistan`s innings petered out as they finished on 7-137 with captain Younus Khan stranded on 46 not out.
Defeat left Pakistan needing a big win against the Dutch to go through to the Super Eights and Younus said: "We must win against them and the onus lies on the senior guys like Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik and myself."
But Younus refused to get too downhearted about the possibility of Pakistan making an early exit from the tournament.
"It will be sad if we don`t make it to the Super Eights but it won`t be a disaster," he said.
"Twenty20 cricket is fun cricket. It`s more for entertainment even if it is international cricket."England booked a place in the second round of the World Twenty20 with a 48-run win over Pakistan at the Oval. Two days after a shock four-wicket loss to the Netherlands, the hosts bounced back to record a win which, because their net run-rate became superior to that of the Dutch, ensured their progress in the tournament.
Pakistan, finalists at the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa two years ago, now face a make or break Group B clash against the Netherlands at Lord`s on Tuesday.
Despite doubts he will be fit enough for the Ashes series, Kevin Pietersen came back from an Achilles injury with 58 to lead England to a total of 5-185 after missing the Dutch debacle.
Pakistan, chasing 186 for victory, saw Stuart Broad take two wickets in as many balls to reduce them to 3-41 at the end of the six-over powerplay.
Kamran Akmal holed out to Luke Wright at deep mid-wicket before opener Salman Butt exited for 28.
Pace bowler Broad led England`s attack with three for 17 from three overs.
Pakistan`s innings petered out as they finished on 7-137 with captain Younus Khan stranded on 46 not out.
Defeat left Pakistan needing a big win against the Dutch to go through to the Super Eights and Younus said: "We must win against them and the onus lies on the senior guys like Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik and myself."
But Younus refused to get too downhearted about the possibility of Pakistan making an early exit from the tournament.
"It will be sad if we don`t make it to the Super Eights but it won`t be a disaster," he said.
"Twenty20 cricket is fun cricket. It`s more for entertainment even if it is international cricket."




source: http://www.paktribune.com