A growing concern for test cricket has been the rise of the shorter version of the game.The T20’s. They have taken the game by storm.The commercial aspect of the game has grown astronomically and become the backbone for any home board ‘s finances with the TV money and surging attendances that it attracts.
At the time of this tour being scheduled, the three T20s were to provide some much needed warmup to the ICC World T20 due in October.Covid-19 delayed the ICC World T20, the high profile event was replaced in the same window by IPL, the biggest T20 league. Similarly, PSL 5 is yet to be decided and the window provides opportunity to it to be completed.As we speak, those T20’s will be taking place in mid-November.
The first T20 in Manchester was abandoned with England 131/6 in 16.1overs.There wasn’t much to write home about that except for Tom Banton ‘s 71 and the spinners getting some good wickets to come back. Mohammad Hafeez was kept in and he justified his slot by knocking in a 69 in the next T20, a game covered by BBC for the first time since 1999 World Cup.
In the middle T20, Pakistan set out a good total given the conditions were ripe for high scoring. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam set off to a flier.Babar’s wicket when he scored 56 then reduced that surge however Mohammad Hafeez facing the scorn of social media was able to carry on some frantic hitting, taking the score to 195. This looked a good score from Pakistan’s standards. It was the highest score posted at Old Trafford.Shoaib Malik and Iftikhar Ahmad failed to impress despite the high score.
Chasing 196 wasn’t going to be easy but the opening set a 66.Shadab bowled a huge 7th over after the power play.He took Johnny Bairstow’s and Tom Banton’s wickets in consecutive balls.He could have taken out the skipper, Eoin Morgan’s wicket as well which was given a not out and despite review managed to save him , only to hit a blinding 66 off 33 balls.That was the match really with Malan playing a supportive 56 not out. Shadab finished with 3/34.
This would have been another morale crusher with Greenshirts not able to defend a huge score just like the test.However, the visitors brought in some much needed changes following the loss.Haidar Ali the much talked about youngster who thrived in the PSL earlier in the year with Peshawar Zalmi came and outscored his colleague Tom Banton in the final T20.
He had a blistering debut scoring a 50 off 27 balls.Right from the second ball, when he hit at six, he was looking like in control. With Hafeez, who again played a blinder with an 86, the Greenshirts towered another total of 190 for the evening.It looked as if England would be able to manage this target but on the evening start, England were shelled with Shaheen Shah’s fury of pace initially.
One of the highlights of the innings was when Moeen Ali ‘s stumping was missed early on in his innings with the wicket keeper and ex captain Sarfraz Ahmad failing to dislodge the bails. This could have been a key point in the game as Moeen went on to make 61 and almost taking England home. Wahab Riaz had other ideas in mind with a brilliant 19th over.That saved Pakistan and despite a late Tom Curran six, came home with 5 run win to finish off the tour with their sole win.The trip back home might not be so bad now.
Mohammad Hafeez was man of the match and man of the series ending any speculation that 2021 World Cup would be a step too far for him to be retained.Haidar Ali was a pleasant new entry into the T20 squad and one that was much needed. Wahab Riaz proved his death bowling is still premium quality as compared to a lingering Mohammad Amir.Once again death hitting by Pakistan is found lacking and Shadab s spin bowling still isn’t a finished article.There is a lot to take back home and reflect for now.
Although, England were playing a relatively weakened side, they face an enthralling series with Australia coming for a limited over international series soon. More fireworks will surely be set to fly.
Sportsfan Says 
Excellent, as always.
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