Saqib Mahmood marked his return to England duty with a four-wicket haul as the completely changed hosts put their Covid-19 problems behind them with an emphatic nine-wicket win over Pakistan in Thursday’s first one-day international at Cardiff. Player of the match Mahmood took an ODI best 4-42 as Pakistan were skittled out for just 141 with more than 14 overs left. England, the reigning 50-over world champions, finished on 142-1 to go 1-0 up in a three-match series, ahead of Saturday’s clash at Lord’s. Press Association PA/SuppliedDawid Malan was 68 not out. In addition, injuries to the likes of fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Olly Stone and wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler meant they were effectively without two first-choice XIs.

Source: News 24 July 08, 2021 17:15 UTC