The Group B encounter at Manuka Oval in Canberra saw England clash against Pakistan with a couple of key points on the line.
Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof won the toss and put Heather Knights’ women to bat first. The latter responded with a brilliant anchoring knock of 62 off just 47 deliveries to propel England’s score to 158.
England lost seven wickets in the process, including the early wicket of keeper Amy Ellen Jones in the very first over.
A partnership between Daniel Wyatt and Natalie Sciver steadied the English ship before skipper Knight’s heroics enabled them to post an above par score. Later in the evening, Knight walked away with the ‘Player of the Match’ award.
A late flurry of wickets hurt England’s chances of posting a big total. However, it was disciplined spells from Diana Baig and Aliya Riaz, which put the brakes on England’s proceedings.
The pick of the bowlers for Pakistan was none other than Aimen Anwar, who picked three wickets, giving away just 30 runs in her quota of four overs.
🌃🤳#ENGvPAK | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/kosa75HEkk
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) February 28, 2020
Coming out to bat, Pakistan lost half their side in the first 10 overs of their chase itself. The Women in Green had no answer to the spin of Sophie Ecclestone (2/12) and Sarah Glenn (3/15), who shared five wickets amongst themselves.
The rest of the damage was done by pacers Katherine Brunt (2/32) and Anya Shrubsole (3/45), who kept the Pakistan proceedings under check with wickets at regular intervals.
In the end, it was an easy yet much needed 42-run victory for England to move upwards in the group with 4 points.
A message from England captain Heather Knight after her side's win over Pakistan 🏴#ENGvPAK | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/aDcj92OnS4
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) February 28, 2020
