T20 England debut for Vince

He returns to captain England for the first time in worldwide cricket and has won the toss and chosen to bat on the same surface used for both the ODI at the venue and Thursday’s T20I.

Morgan found himself explaining the reasons first-choice pair Jos Buttler and Joe Root were omitted, and he had no hesitation citing a rare opportunity to test England’s most talented young players – in the absence of any provided on home soil by the NatWest T20 Blast. Pakistan were hampered by the loss of Shoaib Malik in the 1st T20I, which cost them dear in all departments. Murali Vijay top-scored for India with 40, and a cluster of other players also got starts but could not go on as India – boosted by 21 extras – posted the highest total of the series so far.

Of those to shine, James Vince impressed once again. As it turns out, it’s happened four times before, somewhat spoiling what would have been a tenuous preamble anyway, but the last time they did it was five years ago – against these very same opponents in this very same stadium. The stand in captain scored 33 off 22 balls before he fell to Sohail Tanvir. Vince followed it up with a six and a couple of fours in the next over.

Afridi was as wily and economical as ever with the ball for Pakistan.

Afridi blitzed a seven-ball 24 against an England attack without the rested Reece Topley but, needing four to win off the final ball, Pakistan were restricted to 169-8.

Afridi was the best bowler on display with three wickets to his name and an economy of 3.75.

Pakistan then got off to a fantastic start reaching fifty inside five overs but the introduction of spin dragged them back in. However the Pakistan side surrendered after nail-biter in front of a huge crowd who were gunning for Pakistan’s victory.

Leg-spinner Shahid Afridi, who took 3-15 in his four overs, derailed the England batting after they looked well-set at 32-0 in the fourth over.

Akmal (3) was at the receiving end of a marginal decision after being adjudged caught behind in the 15th over.

At the halfway stage Pakistan were favourites. The latter had held the first catch and then doubled up with his second wicket in his second over, ending the stay for Rafatullah Mohmand when he had the 39-year-old debutant opener caught behind.

Mushtaq blamed the poor system of domestic cricket in Pakistan for the debacle.

Sohaib (24) and Tanvir (2.) were only prominent scorers from Pakistan.

Sam Billings couldn’t continue his run of form, he departed for 11, Buttler however did score quickly.

Sarfraz Ahmed (19) tried to get ahead of the equation with a sweep shot, only to be castled by Woakes in the first delivery of the over.