England ease to five-wicket win over Pakistan

Graeme Swann took two wickets for 14 runs in his four overs as Pakistan struggled to score boundaries.—Reuters Photo

CARDIFF: World Twenty20 champions England romped home against Pakistan with a five-wicket win at Cardiff on Sunday.
Pakistan, looking to redeem some pride amid the spot-fixing controversy, failed to defend the 126 runs they posted on the board with a poor batting and fielding display.

Eoin Morgan, given a life when at 13 when he was dropped by Shoaib Akhtar, top-scored for England with 38 notout. The Ireland-born batsman shared a 50-run match-winning partnership with all-rounder Michael Yardy.

Earlier, Pakistan struggled to score on a slow pitch after they were put in to bat by England captain Paul Collingwood. Umar Akmal was the top scorer for the visitors with 35 notout while Graeme Swann took two wickets for 14 runs for England to peg Pakistan back early in their innings.

England lead the two-match Twenty20 series 1-0.

The next match will be played at the same venue on Tuesday, September 7.