The cricketing rivalry between Pakistan and England has always delivered high-octane encounters, whether in the longer format or the shortest. Here, we analyze two recent and significant matches between these teams: the 3rd Test of England’s 2022 tour of Pakistan and the 7th T20I of the same tour. Both matches not only showcased individual brilliance but also highlighted the contrasting approaches and strengths of the two sides.
Pakistan vs England – 3rd Test, Karachi (December 17-21, 2022)
Match Overview
England secured a commanding 8-wicket victory over Pakistan in the third and final Test at Karachi, thereby completing a historic 3-0 series whitewash on Pakistani soil. The match was a testament to England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach and Pakistan’s struggle to match the visitors’ intensity.
Pakistan 1st Innings
Pakistan, batting first, posted 304 all out in 79 overs. Babar Azam anchored the innings with a composed 78 off 123 balls, supported by Salman Ali Agha’s 56. However, regular wickets stifled momentum, with England’s Jack Leach (4/140) and debutant Rehan Ahmed (2/89) making crucial breakthroughs. The tail offered limited resistance, and Pakistan’s total, while competitive, felt under par given the conditions.
Key Batting Performances:
- Babar Azam: 78 (123 balls, 9 fours)
- Salman Ali Agha: 56 (93 balls, 6 fours)
- Azhar Ali: 45 (68 balls, 6 fours)
Bowling Highlights:
- Jack Leach: 31-2-140-4
- Rehan Ahmed: 22-2-89-2
England 1st Innings
England responded with 354, gaining a 50-run lead. Harry Brook starred with a fluent 111, continuing his remarkable run in the series. Ben Foakes (64) and Ollie Pope (51) provided vital support. Pakistan’s spinners, Abrar Ahmed and Nauman Ali, took four wickets each but lacked consistent support from the seamers.
Key Batting Performances:
- Harry Brook: 111 (150 balls, 8 fours, 3 sixes)
- Ben Foakes: 64 (121 balls, 6 fours)
- Ollie Pope: 51 (64 balls, 4 fours)
Bowling Highlights:
Abrar Ahmed: 34.4-5-150-4
Nauman Ali: 30-1-126-4
Pakistan 2nd Innings
Pakistan faltered in their second outing, managing only 216. Skipper Babar Azam was run out for 54, and Saud Shakeel (53) tried to hold the innings together, but England’s bowlers—especially Rehan Ahmed, who claimed five wickets—ensured no substantial partnerships developed. The collapse left England needing just 167 to win.
Key Batting Performances:
- Babar Azam: 54
- Saud Shakeel: 53
Bowling Highlights:
- Rehan Ahmed: 14.5-1-48-5
England 2nd Innings
Chasing 167, England raced to 170/2 in just 28.1 overs, with Ben Duckett (82*) and Zak Crawley (41) setting the tone. The victory margin—eight wickets—reflected England’s dominance and their ability to dictate terms throughout the series.
Pakistan vs England – 7th T20I, Lahore (October 2, 2022)
Match Overview
In the deciding 7th T20I of the series in Lahore, England outclassed Pakistan by 67 runs, sealing the series 4-3. The match was a showcase of England’s explosive batting and disciplined bowling.
England Innings
Batting first, England posted a daunting 209/3 in their 20 overs. Dawid Malan led the charge with an unbeaten 78 off 47 balls, ably supported by Harry Brook’s 46* off 29 and Phil Salt’s brisk 18. The English batters attacked from the outset, maintaining a run rate above 10 throughout.
Key Batting Performances:
- Dawid Malan: 78* (47 balls, 8 fours, 3 sixes)
- Harry Brook: 46* (29 balls, 1 four, 4 sixes)
- Ben Duckett: 30 (19 balls)
Pakistan Bowling
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the English batters, with only Mohammad Hasnain (1/32) and Haris Rauf (1/34) picking up wickets. The rest of the attack was expensive, conceding boundaries at regular intervals.
Pakistan Innings
Chasing 210, Pakistan never got going and finished at 142/8. Shan Masood top-scored with 56, but the required rate kept climbing. England’s Chris Woakes (3/26) and David Willey (2/22) were outstanding, striking early and often to dismantle the chase.
Key Batting Performances:
- Shan Masood: 56 (43 balls)
- Khushdil Shah: 27 (25 balls)
Bowling Highlights:
- Chris Woakes: 4-0-26-3
- David Willey: 4-0-22-2
Scorecard Comparison Table
| Format | Pakistan 1st Innings | England 1st Innings | Pakistan 2nd Innings | England 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 304 all out | 354 all out | 216 all out | 170/2 | England won by 8 wickets1 |
| T20I | 142/8 (20 overs) | 209/3 (20 overs) | – | – | England won by 67 runs |
Conclusion
Both matches highlighted England’s adaptability and dominance in different formats. In the Test, England’s aggressive batting and relentless bowling overwhelmed Pakistan, while in the T20I, their power-hitting and disciplined pace attack proved too much for the hosts. For Pakistan, flashes of individual brilliance were not enough to overcome England’s collective strength and tactical superiority in these encounters.
