Newcomer Jonny Bairstow hit a maiden half-century to steer England to a challenging 150-7 in the second Twenty20 international against Pakistan at Dubai Stadium here on Saturday.
The 22-year-old right-hander made an unbeatn 60 off 46 balls studded with five boundaries and two sixes to help England recover in their allotted 20 overs after Stuart Broad won the toss and opted to bat.
Bairstow, who made his debut last year, improved on his unbeaten 22 he made during England’s eight-run defeat in the first match here on Thursday, opened up with a four off Shahid Afridi and hit a six in the leg-spinner’s next to lift the scoring rate.
Bairstow added 39 for the fifth wicket with Samit Patel (13) and then hit Umar Gul for a six before the bowler finished with 2-31.
England got off to a flying start, making 35 by the fifth over before Pakistan hit back by dismissing Kevin Pietersen (17), Ravi Bopara (one) and Eoin Moran (nine) in the space of 14 runs.
Bairstow and opener Craig Kieswetter (31) added 30 for the fourth wicket as Pakistan bowled well in the middle overs.
Pakistan brought in paceman Aizaz Cheema for Junaid Khan from their line-up in the first match on Thursday, while England remained unchanged.
Bairstow’s best guides England to 150-7
