Inspired Lewis not enough for England
Jon Lewis set to make second ODI start
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Saturday, 02, Sep 2006 07:23
A poor batting performance from England set Pakistan what proved to be an impossibly low target in the one-day international at a gloomy Lord's, with the tourists eventually winning by seven wickets.
The writing was almost on the wall for England after the very first ball of the day had been bowled.
Captain Andrew Strauss played outside the line to a moving ball from Shoaib Akhtar to snick an edge behind for a golden duck, leaving England on 0/1.
A rain delay after four overs made little difference to England's performance, for fellow opener Trescothick and Ian Bell soon fell afterwards to leave the top order reeling on 18-3.
Although Paul Collingwood managed to steady the ship with a patient 35, Pietersen fell for 17 and Jamie Dalrymple succumbed for just 13 as Akhtar put together an impressive bowling spell.
Even though the batting period was cut down to 40 overs, England failed to bat through to the close as the last four wickets fell for a meagre six runs - all out for 166 with Akhtar taking 4-28 and an accurate Mohammad Asif taking 2-10.
In reply Pakistan never looked like faltering, batting on steadily despite extremely difficult light. In the gloom they never fell off the required run rate, with Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf putting on 78 for the third wicket.
After Khan fell for 55, captain Inzamam came to the crease to bat magnificently in such gloomy conditions. He finished on 42 not out from 34 balls, seeing his side comfortably home with 20 balls to spare.
Of England's bowling attack only Jon Lewis, returning to the fold after a period of giving way to Sajid Mahmood, made any kind of impression.
The Gloucestershire captain conceded just 11 runs from his eight overs.
His two wickets and four maids were a lonely bright spot in an otherwise gloomy day for England, whose lack of one-day wins is extended yet again.