Jonny Bairstow hit a maiden half-century and paceman Steven Finn took three wickets to guide England to a comfortable 38-run win in the second Twenty20 international against Pakistan on Saturday. Bairstow’s 60 off 46 balls, studded with two sixes and five boundaries, helped England recover from a precarious 79-4 to post a challenging 150-7 before Finn claimed 3-30 to bowl Pakistan out for 112 in 18.2 overs at Dubai Stadium.
England’s victory levelled the Twenty20 series and set up an intriguing third and final match in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Pakistan were off to a disastrous start as Finn had Mohammad Hafeez (nought) caught off the second ball of the innings and then removed a threatening Umar Akmal (19 off 12). Pakistan were dealt further crucial blows when Awais (six), Asad (one) and Shoaib Malik (12) were out, leaving half the side back in the pavilion for just 50. Afridi (25) lifted the tempo with two boundaries and a six off Samit Patel, taking 17 off the left-arm spinner’s 12th over, but England hit back by dismissing Misbah (13) at the other end.
England level T20 series
