Knight, Sciver set up big England victory

KUALA LUMPUR: England put up a stunning batting performance in the second One-Day International again­st Pakistan to register a 127-run victory and attain an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

Natalie Sciver was the top-scorer for England, as she smashed an unbeaten century, her third in ODIs. She first put up an 84-run third-wicket stand with captain Heather Knight (86), who was playing in her 100th ODI, and then a mammoth unbeaten 146-run fifth-wicket stand with Fran Wilson (85 not out), in England’s formidable total of 327-4.

Having elected to bat, England struggled at the start, as Pakistan bowlers dismissed first-ODI centurions Danni Wyatt (6) and Tammy Beaumont (21) within 15 overs. Knight and Sciver then dropped anchor and steered England out of troubled waters with a well-crafted partnership.

The stand set the tone for rest of England’s innings and despite losing Knight and Amy Jones (17) in a space of five overs, their momentum did not falter.

Wilson blitzed her way to her second ODI half-century, ending with 85 not out off just 49 balls, which included eight fours and three sixes. As a result, England ended up piling 144 runs in the last 14 overs.

Apart from Diana Baig and Nashra Sandhu, all Pakistan bowlers struggled, giving away more than 6.5 runs an over. Though Nida Dar picked up two wickets, she proved expensive, conceding 67 runs in nine overs.

In response, Pakistan enjoyed a topsy-turvy start. They lost opener Sidra Ameen early but Nahida Khan’s 40 helped push the total past 100 in the 20th over. Captain Bismah Maroof (64) continued her good form and hit her second consecutive fifty, but lacked support from the other end.

The Pakistani batters put up small partnerships but failed to expand them, as England bowled precise lines and lengths. Five out of the seven bowlers used had something to show in the wickets column, as Pakistan were bowled out for 200 in the 45th over.

Knight was adjudged as the Player of the Match for her 86 with the bat and returns of 2-33 with the ball. The third and final ODI will be played at the same venue on Saturday.