England got off to a dream start in the seven-match T20I series against Pakistan after defeating the hosts comfortably by six wickets in the series opener in Karachi. While the match wasn't a spectacle to any extent, the fans welcomed England on these shores after an exile of 17 years. PCB has left no stone unturned to ensure the safety of the players, and young English batting ace Harry Brook's revelation after the match shed light on the board's efforts.
Pakistan batted first in the match, and the experienced pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan got the hosts to a solid start. But the former's dismissal was followed by a mini collapse as Pakistan's middle-order woes continued. England did well to restrict the hosts to 158/7 after their impressive start. Luke Wood, the debutant, returned with a dream spell of 3/24.
The visitors lost Phil Salt early in the chase, but the returning Alex Hales and Dawid Malan stitched a handy partnership for the second wicket. Ben Duckett's dismissal in the 11th over gave the Pakistani bowlers hope, but Harry Brook extinguished all those thoughts with a fluent 42 off 25 deliveries.
The eye-pleasing stroke maker was in conversation with Sky in the aftermath of the win, and said in a bantering mood, "Every time I go to the toilet, there's somebody following me. I've never had that before, but it's been good, it feels very secure over here and we're enjoying it."
Harry Brook regarding the security in Pakistan "every time I go to the toilet I've got someone following me. I've never really had that before" #PAKvENG #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) September 20, 2022
Alex Hales lauds the Karachi crowd
Meanwhile, English opener Alex Hales, who was representing England for the first time in three years, compiled a domineering half-century to guide his side to victory. The lanky opener had played at the venue frequently during his stint in the PSL and commented on the atmosphere in the series opener.
"It's very special. I've played in front of full houses here in Karachi before and it's something different: it's one of the best atmospheres in world cricket. It's a place I've spent a lot of time in over the last few years and it's a place that means a lot to me. I have some fantastic memories here, on and off the field, so to be part of an England tour - the first one in such a long time - is an incredibly special feeling," Hales said.
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