In the second Twenty20 International between Pakistan and England, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan put together a record 203 runs for the first wicket to enable Pakistan to defeat England by 10 wickets.
Thursday night’s second T20I saw Pakistan chase down a 200-run mark with 10 wickets in hand and three balls remaining thanks to the opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who tore apart England’s bowling attack. The pair also stitched together a record 203-run partnership during the game at Karachi’s National Stadium, which is the greatest score in a T20I chase. Pakistani pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi made a scathing jab at the openers’ detractors following the performances of the two players.
“The time has come, in my opinion, to fire Kaptaan @babarazam258 and @iMRizwanPak. selfish players it. If possible, please allow me to finish the game in 15 overs. You have overtaken me. Let’s start a movement with this. Nahi “tweets from Afridi
He continued, “Absolutely proud of this incredible Pakistani team.
The time has come, in my opinion, to fire Kaptaan @babarazam258 and @iMRizwanPak. selfish players it. If possible, please allow me to finish the game in 15 overs. You have overtaken me. Let’s start a movement with this. Nahi?
I’m extremely proud of this incredible Pakistani team. pic.twitter.com/Q9aKqo3iDm
September 22, 2022, Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi)
Although Babar and Rizwan have long been criticized for their strike rate, former Pakistan pacer Aaqib Javed recently asserted that having Babar and Mohammad in significant chases could be harmful to Pakistan because of their similarities as players and their propensity to let the required run rate rise too high.
Regarding the encounter on Thursday, Moeen Ali’s unbeaten 55 and Ben Duckett’s 43 helped England score 199/5 in 20 overs. Pakistan’s response saw them go home with 3 balls remaining.
The victory also ends Pakistan’s streak of three straight defeats that began with the Asia Cup.
In the third T20I of the seven-match series, Pakistan and England will face off.
