Agencies
Karachi
Babar Azam hit 110 not out and Mohammad Rizwan an unbeaten 88 as Pakistan pulled off a remarkable 10-wicket victory over England to level the sides’ Twenty20 series at 1-1, reports BBC.com.
Chasing 200, Pakistan’s opening pair produced a batting masterclass in Karachi to seal the win with three balls to spare.
Babar reached a sublime century from 62 balls, delighting the raucous home crowd, while Rizwan hit four sixes in a whirlwind 51-ball knock.
It meant Pakistan set a new record for the highest chase in all men’s T20s without losing a wicket.
England, who had never previously lost a T20 by 10 wickets, were put to the sword – Alex Hales’ drop of Rizwan on 23 proving crucial.
The tourists had looked heavy favourites at the halfway stage when racking up 199-5 as Moeen Ali smashed 55 not out from 23 balls and Ben Duckett an enterprising 43.
The sides play again in less than 24 hours with the third match of the seven-match series taking place on Friday, again in Karachi.
This series was already historic for being England’s return to Pakistan for the first time in 17 years.
Babar and Rizwan, Pakistan’s supreme captain and vice-captain, have ensured its place in the record books.
In the end a challenging total was reached with relative ease, a reflection of the brilliant way the pair paced the chase.
The previous highest target reached without losing a wicket was 169, by New Zealand against Pakistan in 2016.
ScorescColor:> England 199-5 (20 overs): Moeen 55* (23), Duckett 43 (22); Rauf 2-30 lost to Pakistan 203-0 (19.3 overs): Babar 110* (66), Rizwan 88* (51); Pakistan win by 10 wickets; level series 1-1.
