England win by 127 runs to clinch the series 2-0 in the 2nd ODI in Malaysia. After falling into an early hole with the capture of woman of the match last game Danielle Wyatt for 6 by Nida Dar. Pakistan did their best to suppress the damage with the run out of Captain England Knight for 86 at 151/3. Unfortunately for the 197 million Pakistan fans at home, there was no joy from there on. As Natalie Sciver and Fran Wilson piled on 100 and 85 not out respectively.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to find the right length and pace on the ball to cause any sort of trouble to the England batting line up. The partnership of Sciver and Wilson was the highlight, a phenomenal batting performance by both players with a partnership of 146 runs. However, the contest was galvanised by England’s ability to set the pressure early with a score of 327. Underlies a strong top order ready for the 20/20 World Cup early next year.
New coach Lisa Keightley who was in attendance today, who does not take over in full capacity until January. Would have been impressed by the mental resilience, by her girls, when they faced real adversity early in the innings.
Pakistan’s captain Bismah Maroof did her very best again to keep her team’s head above water in the 2nd innings with a 64 in Kuala Lumpur. The important lesson learnt is cricket it is all about learning and Pakistan have a long way to go. If their plan is to win the 20/20 World Cup in February in Australia. A concern for their coach Iqbal Imam is his top order collapsed again despite them all making starts with Nahia Khan contributed with 40 runs only to be run out over a silly single. Major mistakes such as these, get punished against top class opposition such as England, Australia and New Zealand.
The spread of wickets from obvious and unobvious sources as bowlers Ecclestone, Knight, Shrubsole and precocious talent Glenn all chimed in with two wickets. This instils even more confidence for England going into a crucial third and deciding ODI against Pakistan on Saturday at Kinara Oval.
Rhys Ryan – Sports Journalist
Twitter: rhysryan
