SPORTS

Cook, Finn sink Pakistan again

Source:PTI
February 16, 2012

Alastair Cook became the first England captain to score consecutive one-day centuries on Wednesday to set his side up for a 20-run victory over Pakistan in the second one-day international in Abu Dhabi.

Cook won the toss for the second time in the four-match series, then cashed in with 102, his fourth one-day century, from 118 deliveries in an England total of 250 for four.

- Scorecard

Fast bowler Steven Finn then turned in another match-winning performance with four for 34 from 10 overs as Pakistan were dismissed for 230 from 49 overs.

Cook survived a chance on 30 to wicketkeeper Umar Akmal off Shahid Afridi during a technically assured innings against the spinners, who had bowled their country to a 3-0 victory in the Test series.

His opening partner Kevin Pietersen reached 26 in a partnership of 67 before he fell in familiar fashion, lbw to off-spinner Saeed Ajmal for 26.

Ravi Bopara compiled a second consecutive half-century with 58 and Eoin Morgan struck a brisk, unbeaten 25.

Mohammad Hafeez (26) and Imram Farhat (47) gave Pakistan a steady start with 61 but wickets then fell regularly as the England bowlers maintained a tight line and length.

Afridi struck 18 from as many deliveries and captain Misbah-ul-Haq kept his side in the hunt with 47 from 59 balls before he was brilliantly caught by wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter, who clung on to a skied mis-hit at full stretch off Stuart Broad.

Source: PTI
© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.

Recommended by Rediff.com

NEXT ARTICLE

NewsBusinessMoviesSportsCricketGet AheadDiscussionLabsMyPageVideosCompany Email