Cardiff: Pakistan ensured here Wednesday a Champions Trophy final between South Asian teams after reaching the summit clash with a thumping eight wickets victory over England. They will now play the winners of the other semifinal between India and Bangladesh.
Pakistani bowlers produced another professional performance to restrict the formidable England batting line-up to 211 after Sarfraz Ahmed opted to bowl on a used surface.
The star with the ball was once again pacer Hasan Ali (3/35). He was well supported by Junaid Khan (2/42), debutant Rumman Raees (2/44) and Shadab Khan (1/40). Only Jonny Bairstow (43, 57b, 5×4) and Joe Root (46, 56b, 2×4) could batted well.
It seemed Pakistani batsmen were batting on a different pitch as they cruised to the target in 37.1 overs. Openers Azhar Ali (76, 100b, 5×4, 1×6) and Fakhar Zaman (57, 58b, 7×4, 1×6) provided them with a solid start with a stand of 118 in 21.1 overs. Then Babar Azam (38 n o, 45b, 2×4, 1×6) and Mohammad Hafeez (31 n o, 21b, 3×4, 2×6) completed the job with aplomb.
Press Trust of India
