England Rising star Tom Banton scored 71 before Pakistan fought back in their first ever Twenty20 International match on Friday at Old Trafford. He dropped the match for rain only to no resultant washing.
21-year-old Banton is making his debut in four T20s at this level, while England are threatened with a huge amount. But his departure left England 109-3 and led to a collapse, losing four wickets for 14 runs off 19 balls. 131-6 in 16.1 overs with England before rain.
The umpires checked in long enough but after 9:00 pm (2000 GMT) the game decided to return the game as Tiffield was wet.
But Banton, who started after Jason Roy was sidelined with a side injury, had to remember at least one night. “It’s good fun,” Banton told Sky Sports. “I struggled to get started. They bowled pretty well and then when the spinners came I supported myself.”
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat. However, Banton took two slog-sweeping sixes in successive deliveries by leg-spinner Shadab Khan.
David Malan helped Banton to 71 for the second wicket with just 23 runs to spare. Banton completed a half-century in 33 balls. Harris Rauff only cuts Imad to extra cover for a daring six over fine leg.
England captain Eoin Morgan was then lbw to Iftikhar Ahmed before Mohd Ali was caught by Shadab’s Mohammad Rizwan. Wicketkeeper Rizwan, who was impressed by Pakistan’s recent 1-0 Test defeat to England, then stumped Imad’s Lewis Gregory, who scored 2-31 from his maximum four overs.
The second game of the three-match series takes place at Old Trafford on Sunday.
