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According to reports, a support staff member from the Pakistan team has tested positive for COVID-19 hours ahead of start of the second ODI against England. The visitors are currently leading the series after registering a six-wicket win as they comfortably chased down 159 runs.
As reported by The News, Pakistan Cricket Board has allowed the second T20I to go ahead as per the schedule. The report further adds that PCB has confirmed the news of a Pakistan support staff member testing positive for the virus.
Talking about the first T20I, the Pakistan team was put in to bat and got off to an incredible squad. Captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan posted an 85-run opening stand. But then the Men in Green underwent a batting collapse as they lost quick wickets. The Home team was restricted at 158-7 at the end of the 20 overs. The star of the innings was England’s Luke Wood as he picked up three wickets while giving away just 24 runs.
Then in the second innings, the Three Lions, after losing one wicket, kicked off their chase on the back of an incredible Alex Hales innings as he went to score 53. Batting with Hales, Ben Duckett and Harry Brook scored crucial runs. In the end, it was a baoundary by Brook that sealed the victory for the English.
Reacting to the performance, England captain Moeen Ali praised the team for their clinical showing. He said, “Brilliant performance, they got off to a great start, but we pulled things back in the middle overs, the bowlers were excellent. On a tough surface, I thought the batters did well. Rashid and Wood's debut was outstanding and was a good all-round performance from the bowling unit.
Ali also had special praise for the batting lineup, who held their nerves on a tricky surface. He said, We were smart with the chase, Alex Hales, batting after such a long time, he was nervous bu showed why he's one of the best in the country. Brook showed why he's rated so highly back home, their partnership was wonderful to watch.”