ICC World Cup 2019 - England vs Pakistan

In the best match of the tournament thus far, against odds Pakistan pipped over their more fancied opponents England to steal a 14 run victory at Trent Bridge. 

Coming into this match after a huge victory over South Africa in the tournament opener, England walked in as red hot favourites, while very few gave Pakistan any reason to hope after the thumping they got against the Windies in their first match. 

However, put into bat by England, Pakistan openers Imam ul Haq & Fakhar Zaman got into the groove soon, finding their shots, as the English pace attack came under some serious belting, & 82 runs were on board by the 14th over, before Fakhar Zaman got stumped by Butler. A good solid start led to flourish from the batsmen to follow, as Babar Azam, Md Hafeez, & capt Sarfaraz Ahmed, all piled half centuries, with veteran Hafeez, making the most of an easy dropped catch, when on 14, went onto make delightful 84 runs from just 62 deliveries. In the end it was 348 runs for 8 wickets - certainly an at par score & enough to give the bowlers ammunition to attack. 

For England it was a tardy day in fielding & the bowling also lacked the necessary sting. Barring Moeen Ali & Wood, all others were belted around, as they leaked 29 boundaries & 6 sixes - certainly an awful lot. After such an intense fielding & bowling performance against SA, this was an aweful display. 

In chase,  England lost three wickets within the first 15 overs, as Pakistani bowling looked sharp, as did their fielding. Joe Root & Jose Butler then steadied the innings, putting up 130 runs for the fifth wicket & raising English hopes, before Root got out, caught in the gully. He became the first batsman to score a century in this World Cup, getting out for a wonderful 107 off 13 deliveries. Butler too reached his hundred in just 75 deliveries, but got out the very next ball, leaving England gasping at 288 for 6 in the 45th over. In the end, despite valiant swings with the bat by the tailenders, England could muster 334 for 9, falling short by 14 runs, as Pakistan scampered to an improbable victory. This was their first win after 11 losses on the trot in ODIs. 

The unpredictable Pakistan had stolen a memorable victory in a tight contest, as England were left to rue their missed chances & also a strong message to the teams that there is nothing to be taken for granted in this tournament.