England in Pakistan: Phil Salt stars as tourists in the Twenty20 series
England in Pakistan: Phil Salt stars as tourists in the Twenty20 series
Sixth Twenty20 international, LahorePakistan 169- 6 (20 overs): Babar 87*, Curra n 2-26England 170-2 (14.3 overs): Salt 88*, Hales 27 England won by eight wicketsScorecard
Chasing 170 for victory in Lahore, Salt blasted his way a path to a 19-ball half-century - the third fastest by an Englishman in international T20s - in a stunning display of strokes as the tourists tied the series at 3-3 with one to play.
It was a good shot for England captain Moeen Ali to win as heavy dew gave the stick back made all the easier as the game went on, but despite that, the way England cleared the tracks was remarkable.
Salt was at his brutal best hitting 13 fours and three sixes and England had the luxury of power slow down and head towards their target with 33 bullets to spare.
Previously, Pakistan captain Babar Azam had an undefeated 87 on 59 balls and showed all his class but lacked any significant support.
The English left-handed trio - Reece Topley, Sam Curran and David Willey - were the bowlers choice and he quickly became apparent that the 169-6 they limited Pakistan to would not be enough.
"The way we beat was outstanding, we almost killed the match right away,” Moeen said. "It just shows if you stick with the process, you don't have to strain yourself. They were good shots.
"It was a really impressive performance from everyone. It's great for the show that this either 3-3, I think it's been a brilliant run so far. We're looking for an exciting game in the last one."
Teams will remain in Lahore for the decider on Sunday (3.30pm BST).
Sixth Twenty20 international, LahorePakistan 169- 6 (20 overs): Babar 87*, Curra n 2-26England 170-2 (14.3 overs): Salt 88*, Hales 27 England won by eight wicketsScorecard
Chasing 170 for victory in Lahore, Salt blasted his way a path to a 19-ball half-century - the third fastest by an Englishman in international T20s - in a stunning display of strokes as the tourists tied the series at 3-3 with one to play.
It was a good shot for England captain Moeen Ali to win as heavy dew gave the stick back made all the easier as the game went on, but despite that, the way England cleared the tracks was remarkable.
Salt was at his brutal best hitting 13 fours and three sixes and England had the luxury of power slow down and head towards their target with 33 bullets to spare.
Previously, Pakistan captain Babar Azam had an undefeated 87 on 59 balls and showed all his class but lacked any significant support.
The English left-handed trio - Reece Topley, Sam Curran and David Willey - were the bowlers choice and he quickly became apparent that the 169-6 they limited Pakistan to would not be enough.
"The way we beat was outstanding, we almost killed the match right away,” Moeen said. "It just shows if you stick with the process, you don't have to strain yourself. They were good shots.
"It was a really impressive performance from everyone. It's great for the show that this either 3-3, I think it's been a brilliant run so far. We're looking for an exciting game in the last one."
Teams will remain in Lahore for the decider on Sunday (3.30pm BST).
