Root, Morgan bat England to 2-0 lead

Joe Root (89) and Eoin Morgan (68) helped England chase down 252 with 15 balls to spare and take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series against Pakistan at Lord’s on Saturday (August 27). Sarfaraz Ahmed (105) and Imad Wasim (63 not out) ensured Pakistan recovered from an early wobble after opting to bat, but the century stand between the England duo meant the visitors finished second-best for the second time in the series.

Mohammad Amir gave Pakistan the best possible start when he got rid of Jason Roy on the second ball of England’s chase. Roy, trying to drive at a length delivery away from the body, got an inside edge that crashed onto the stumps. Root walked into a familiar situation and adapted with ease – driving beautifully off Hasan Ali to get the runs flowing. Right from the beginning, he played with great panache, at times walking towards the delivery and driving Hasan past mid-off.

Alex Hales at the other end, looked to play off Amir and was content defending him towards the packed off-side field. As expected, the runs dried up and the England opener felt the need to up the ante. However, his plan didn’t quite materialise. Trying to play a slog sweep against Imad Wasim, he missed a full length delivery and had his wood work disturbed.

While two early wickets gave Pakistan a chance, Eoin Morgan and Root batted Pakistan out of game. The pair scored 112 runs for the third wicket to put the hosts on course. When Morgan was dismissed, bowled by Wasim in the 31st over, England needed 105 more for a win.

The onus was on Root to guide the team home and arguably one of the best in the world at the moment, he soaked in the pressure magnificently. Unfazed by Morgan’s wicket and some late wobble into the game, he carried on to milk runs.

What Root needed was some support but the middle-order, though they looked promising on most parts, threw away their wickets. Jos Buttler (4) and Ben Stokes (42 off 30) fell in quick succession, while Moeen Ali (21 not out) just about managed to grind out the short-ball barrage.

Root eventually fell, much to the delight of the Pakistan fans, but was too little too late for their team’s chances. Trying to play a ball to the on side, Root got a leading edge and was caught at mid-off.

Brief scores: Pakistan 251/10 in 49.5 overs (Sarfaraz Ahmed 105, Imad Wasim 63*; Chris Woakes 3-42, Mark Wood 3-46) lost to England 255/6 in 47.3 overs (Joe Root 89, Eoin Morgan 68; Wasim 2-38) by 4 wickets.