Twiter Reactions: Eoin Morgan's half-century and Jofra Archer's clinical bowling help England win the thrilling contest

England managed to deliver another brilliant performance despite planting their second best XI in the only T20I against Pakistan in Cardiff. Captain Eoin Morgan led from the front as his fifty at a crucial juncture, well supported by a cameo from Joe Denly, helped the hosts pull off a thrilling run chase.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Fakhar Zaman walked back early in the innings for the visiting side. Soon after, Imam-ul-Haq was outdone by the brilliance of Jofra Archer, who won his first T20I wicket. With the Men in Green losing two big wickets inside the first six overs, Babar Azam and Haris Sohail took the responsibility on themselves to put up a big score.

Young Babar Azam once again proved why he is so highly rated. He registered a half-century at a strike rate in excess of 150 and stitched a 103-run partnership with Haris Sohail. The 30-year-old all-rounder registered a fifty as well, putting his side in a commanding position. Some quick wickets halted the momentum with Azam and Sohail getting dismissed in quick succession.

Imad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf struck a few boundaries towards the end as Pakistan finished with 173/6. It could’ve been much higher for England’s liking if not for Jofra Archer‘s (2/29) brilliant effort in the death overs.

Morgan, Root and Denly shine for the hosts

Ben Duckett’s T20I debut didn’t turn out to be very memorable as Shaheen Afridi sent him back very early. Yet, James Vince took on the bowlers and ensured they took advantage of the field restrictions. He added a crucial 45-run partnership with Joe Root, before getting dismissed for a 27-ball 36.

Root and skipper Eoin Morgan then settled in to put up a brilliant show for the hosts. Despite some struggles, Root chipped in with some delightful shots. Morgan was able to bat very freely despite all pressure and struck boundaries at will. After Root was dismissed, there was some pressure building on the hosts, but Joe Denly and the skipper had other ideas.

They played some smart cricket and took it to the final over. Morgan brought up his half-century in the final over and finished the game with a six over long-off. England registered a thumping 7-wicket win with their captain leading from the front.

Here’s how Twitter reacted after this nail-biting encounter:

England without Buttler,Bairstow, Stokes,Moeen Ali can still beat Pakistan 😎 #ENGvPAK

— Tarun M (@Tarunmsd7_) May 5, 2019

Why the heck is Morgan so good 😅😅 England World Cup chances looking fitttt #ENGvPAK

— Moona 🌙 (@SingingSonnet) May 5, 2019

Pakistan's inability to capitalise on the base created in the middle overs coupled with some loose bowling not building pressure has been the problem today #ENGvPAK

— Tanzil Khawaja (@Tanzil_K) May 5, 2019

Jofra Archer picks 2/29 on his T20I debut. #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/ecibXzajXS

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) May 5, 2019

Another 50* in 31 balls by @babarazam258 – heartening to watch him dominate spin & Haris Sohail looks in superb touch too! Timing it particularly well.. #ENGvPAK

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) May 5, 2019

Sarfaraz Ahmed at his best:

Misfield by Haris, glares at him in disbelief, shakes his head and says something to himself
Next ball, good delivery by Shaheen, only a single and shouts "shabaash meri jaan"#ENGvPAK

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) May 5, 2019

The number one T 20 batsman in the world @babarazam258 played like the world number 1. Well done young man. Seemed like run out was the only option england had against you #ENGvPAK

— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) May 5, 2019

It's evident that Pakistan has packed their side with players who'll has failed the fitness/yo-yo test. Most of them can't bend quickly or collect neatly. #ENGvPAK

— 🤫 (@KunalInKamra) May 5, 2019

Poor performance by faheem Ashraf 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️#PakVEng

— Ali Hassan Dogar (@AliHass89157433) May 5, 2019

Hasnain needs to be replaced by Aamir, Asif Ali is overrated and should be replaced by Hafeez. Faheem Ashraf is a BIG question mark now, may be Shadab can fill the place well. #PakvsEng #ENGvPAK #T20Challenge #Pakistan #PCB #Cricket #CricketWorldCup2019

— Mujahid Malik 🇵🇰 (@iMMujahidMalik) May 5, 2019

Hasn’t been a dad effort by Pakistan with the bat.. to have chosen to bat first on a green pitch tells you how this team is feeling. Good positive mindset.

— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) May 5, 2019

Poor bowling by faheem ashraf #ENGvPAK

— Rehman Saqib (@rehmansaqib11) May 5, 2019

Don't know why Faheem Ashraf was selected in the World cup squad on the basis of his PSL performance. Hasn't bowled well in international level for quite some time now and hasn't perform well with the bat either. #PAKvsENG

— محمّد عبدالله وسیم (@The_pizzaguy23) May 5, 2019

Can never trust Hassan Ali and faheem Ashraf as bowlers in t20I period #Engvpak

— M.shahzaib (@Shahzoo_khi) May 5, 2019

Faheem Ashraf is a player who deserves to play WC? Ye bhi puch lete

— Being Virk Shahzaib (@VirkSh786) May 5, 2019

Faheem Ashraf ko Kiun Select Krtay Hain bhai?

— Omair Khan (@omairkhan9958) May 5, 2019

Asif Ali not adding bonus runs with th bat, Faheem Ashraf & Hasan Ali leaking runs with th ball while some loopholes in th field-work ended up in a defeat for Pakistan. However match-winning partnership by Root & superman Morgan truly deserved England to win T20.🏏👏#ENGvPAK

— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) May 5, 2019

Poor bowling from Pakistan specially form Faheem Ashraf and Hassan Ali . Literally missing the presence of Muhammad Amir and Junaid khan #PakvEng .
Experience really matters

— 𝒯𝒶𝒾𝓂𝑜𝑜𝓇 𝒬𝓊𝓇𝑒𝓈𝒽𝒾 (@Taimoorqureshi) May 5, 2019

Q: What hurts more than a break up?

A: Have you ever seen Pakistan losing a T20I series 💔#ENGvPAK

— Mujahid Malik 🇵🇰 (@iMMujahidMalik) May 5, 2019

That was a well timed run chase and well deserved victory.#ENGvPAK

— Innocent Bystander (@PaulWW66) May 5, 2019

Captain leading from Nowhere.. 😂#ENGvPAK

— Bronze Girl (@Bronzegirl7) May 5, 2019

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