ICC World Twenty20: England Comeback, Pakistan Flop

Sreelata YellamrazuJun 9 2009

In a case of a similar dose administered to another team, Pakistan paid the price for performing much like England did against the Netherlands in the opening game of the ICC World Twenty20. Pakistan will now have to pull off a big win against the resurgent Dutch team to qualify for the Super Eights.

eng team delighted

After England’s embarrassing defeat two nights ago, the British media went into overdrive over the team and their chances in the Ashes. However, England entered the field with a better frame of mind and presence as well to show Pakistan that they could not be easily discounted.

There was little doubt that the defeat hit England hard. However, while they could not push Andrew Flintoff onto the field, they sent out Kevin Pietersen who was not expected to make such a quick recovery from his Achilles tendon injury. However, the move paid off as the dynamic former captain scored a brilliant half century that revolved around two crucial partnership, one with Luke Wright who made thirty-four from sixteen balls and another with Owais Shah who himself made a thirty-two ball thirty-three. England raised a total of 185, backing largely on a lethargic fielding performance from the Pakistan team who dropped catches at crucial moments of the match.

The innings of note though did not come from the Pakistan team. Fits and starts from the likes of Salman Butt and Shoaib Mallik were not going to cut it. Pakistan captain Younis Khan’s brave forty-six was largely an effort in vain as England effected wickets, Stuart Broad himself taking three while Pakistan’s tumble was evident right through the innings all through their forty-eight run defeat.

England were saved by the bell; what will be Pakistan’s fate?

ICC World Twenty20: SA Show Scotland a Lesson in the Big League

ICC World T20: India Have it Easy against Bangladesh

ICC World T20: Windies Knock Down Australian Might

ICC World T20: NZ Breeze Past Scotland in Rain Affected Affair

Andrew Flintoff Believes Rap Music Leads to Deterioration

ICC World T20: England Done in by Dutch Delight

ICC World T20: England Wary of Dutch Surprise

ICC World T20: Twenty20 Overkill?

ICC World T20: Dhoni-Sehwag Rift Rumours Surface

ICC World Twenty20: India Have Distinct Advantage

ICC World T20: Bangladesh Hope to Pull One on India