Pakistan vs England 5th T20I Highlights: Pakistan took a 3-2 lead in the series after beating England by six runs in the fifth T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Chasing a target of 146, England were restricted to a total of 139 for seven in 20 overs. With 15 runs needed off the final over, debutant Aamir Jamal kept his cool as Pakistan held on for a win. Haris Rauf and Mohammad Nawaz had earlier given Pakistan the perfect start as they had together removed the England openers.
Mohammad Rizwan Just a bruise, there is swelling as well but the doctor said he will ice it and god-willing it will come down in the morning [on the knock]. The pitch was two-paced and thankfully the target we set was enough but the pitch was tricky. It was a good score on this pitch, we could’ve finished on 160 with the start we got. But our bowlers should get the credit for the way they bowled.
Babar Azam: Shadab, the way he came back, the way he started was nice to see especially after an injury. The way Rizwan built the innings, the pitch was two-paced and he played well. The confidence of Aamer Jamal was high and he was confident he could do it in that last over. To win T20Is, you need wickets and in the middle overs, Shadab produced that. These things build up the team and gives us confidence.
Jos Buttler, who was earlier expected to feature in the Lahore leg of the series will still be sidelined as his recovery is taking time. Phil Salt will continue in his absence.
For Pakistan, Naseem Shah’s absence can prove to be a big blow. The ace pacer felt unwell right after landing in Lahore and is down with viral fever.
Pakistan’s middle order has still failed to fire and the tension in that sense might be high amongst the management despite them winning the games. The top order has largely contributed to their runs with Mohammad Rizwan scoring as consistently as any batter can. Shan Masood has also shown a glimpse of what he can do, but he will still be tested.
The pitch at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is again expected to favour the batters. The last match at the venue, between Australia and Pakistan in April, showed that 160 can be chased without much hesitation.
