By Matthew Henry — BBC Sport
Babar Azam hit 110 not out and Mohammad Rizwan an unbeaten 88 as Pakistan pulled off a remarkable 10-wicket victory over England to level the sides’ T20 series at 1-1. Chasing 200, Pakistan’s opening pair produced a batting masterclass in Karachi to seal the win with three balls to spare. Babar reached a sublime century from 62 balls, delighting the raucous home crowd, while Rizwan hit four sixes in a whirlwind 51-ball knock. It meant Pakistan set a new record for the highest chase in all men’s T20s without losing a wicket — their partnership of 203 surpassing the previous highest chase without loss of 169. England, who had never previously lost a T20 by 10 wickets, were put to the sword. The previous highest target reached without losing a wicket was 169, by New Zealand against Pakistan in 2016.
England had looked heavy favourites at the halfway stage when racking up 199-5, as Moeen Ali smashed 55 not out from 23 balls and Ben Duckett an enterprising 43. But Pakistan’s openers started well and launched an assault, taking 21 from the 13th over including three big leg-side sixes. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan now have a record seven century stands at the top of the order. England captain Moeen Ali said: “The momentum went their way when I bowled my over. After that they were unstoppable.” The series continues in Karachi for the third of seven T20 matches.