ENGLAND OVER-60S REGISTER LAST-BALL WIN AGAINST PAKISTAN OVER-60S IN 5TH ODI

ENGLAND OVER-60S REGISTER LAST-BALL WIN AGAINST PAKISTAN OVER-60S IN 5TH ODI DESPITE CENTURIES BY SAJID ALI, SAGHEER ABBAS

KARACHI: England Over-60s registered a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan Over-60s on the last ball of the fifth and final ODI at Littleborough Cricket Club on Friday. The hosts collected the Royal Nawab Cup as they won the series 3-1 with the third game having been abandoned because of rain.

Set a daunting target of 317 in 45 overs, England overcame a late order collapse to reach it on the final delivery. At 289 for four, they appeared coasting towards a comfortable win but the loss of a few quick wickets brought Pakistan back in contention. The fall of eighth wicket on the penultimate ball, with the scores tied, made the contest most exciting. Graham Shaw kept his cool on the final ball to get the winning single.

The England skipper, Richard Merriman, who narrowly missed his century, had the consolation of receiving Player of the Match award ahead of centurions from Pakistan, Sajid Ali and Sagheer Abbas.

Pakistan, captained by Saleem Malik, lost their fifth successive toss and they were inserted to bat on a relatively warm day with plenty of sunshine. After the early hiccups, the visiting batsmen got in their groove and runs flowed aplenty. Opener Sajid Ali led the charge with a magnificent 122 off 121 balls. He stabilized the innings by adding 85 for third wicket with Ghaffar Kazmi (42 off 46 balls) before engaging in 139-run fourth wicket partnership with Sagheer Abbas, who finished with unbeaten 110 off 78 balls. The onslaught in death overs took Pakistan to a commanding total of 316 for four in the allotted 45 overs.

England, in reply, got off to a sedate start through the opening pair of Richard Merriman (96 off 101 balls) and Mel Hussain (36 off 38 balls). Number three Paul Radage contributed 33 off 42 balls but the knocks from middle-order batters Monty Douglas (60 off 43 balls), Philip Deikin (23 off 12 balls) and Jason Caunt (22 off 15 balls) which changed the complexion of the game. Leg-spinner Zafar Ali (3-42) and off-spinner Sagheer Abbas (2-62) kept the match the alive until Graham Shaw’s cameo (17 off nine balls) settled the issue.