Pakistan was given the opportunity to bat first in Pakistan vs England and got off to a strong start with a 97-run opening stand, but they were pushed through the middle and death, losing a lot of momentum they had gained.

In retrospect, Liam Dawson’s decision to remove Babar Azam from the game was even better because it allowed Moeen Ali’s team to regain the initiative by bringing a struggling Shan Masood on the field.

Highlights from Pakistan vs England Match

Pakistan appeared to be significantly short at the end of their 20 overs, after taxing their bowling unit to defend a score against the most effective batting lineup in the world.

From mid-on, a fielder dashed in, pushed himself off his feet, and threw underarm at the stumps. Reece Topley was miles off his ground when the zing bails lit up, and the packed National Stadium in Karachi became deafeningly loud.

Thousands cricket spectators left the stadium in a rush when England required nine runs off, of 12 balls. However, they quickly returned to see Pakistan tie the Pakistan vs England match before the remaining three games in Lahore.

Another raucous cheer broke out from the audience when the stadium announcer named the fielder as Shan Masood. Masood was trapped on the pad by David Willey with 10 balls remaining in the first innings for a strenuous 21 off 19 balls. He endured the greatest humiliation in T20 cricket as his own fans welcomed his departure.

The difference 20 overs can make is remarkable.

After the best efforts of Masood and Mohammad Rizwan, who both played with intent but little power or timing, Pakistan couldn’t get off in Pakistan vs England match launchpad despite spending the night planning for takeoff.

When Masood had 3 off 7, Alex Hales’ unsuccessful attempt to make a catch ultimately worked in England’s favour.

It was clear that England’s were given away for too little while Pakistan’s batsmen placed an absurdly high value on theirs. The match was exemplary that a wicket can worth so much in a T20 match. Although both countries have seen major inflation this year, but the cost of a cricket wicket is more unpredictable than any other commodity.

England’s batsmen were like relay runners; each one achieving top speed as rapidly as they can, before handing the baton to their next teammate in Pakistan vs England match. Contrastingly, Pakistan’s top order saw 20 overs as an endurance challenge and took delight in getting as near as they could to the finish line.

Hasnain may have played a significant role in pushing Pakistan to the brink, but now he found himself in charge of fixing everything. Rauf was not ready to follow suit, which was fortunate for him, Pakistan, and a loud Karachi audience that was just starting to die.

Nonetheless, after a heart pounding thriller match, Pakistan beat England by three runs.