A 32 run victory over Pakistan Shaheens in the second T20 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Sunday, has given the England Lions an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three match unofficial T20 series.
Pakistan Shaheens won the toss and chose to field, making an immediate breakthrough when Shahid Aziz removed Will Smeed with the first ball. Ben McKinney made 38 and captain Jordan Cox added 34 as the Lions recovered through a positive stand. Saad Masood struck twice and finished with two for 38 from three overs.
James Coles controlled the latter stages of the innings and remained unbeaten on 48 from 30 balls. His knock included four fours and two sixes as the Lions closed on 183 for five. Shahid, playing his first match of the series, returned figures of two for 26 from four overs.
Pakistan Shaheens responded with a steady opening stand between captain Shamyl Hussain, who scored 20, and Maaz Sadaqat, who top scored with 32 from 25 balls, including two fours and two sixes. The pair added 41 in 4.2 overs before wickets at regular intervals slowed progress.
Saad Baig and Hasan Nawaz both scored 20 while attempting to rebuild. Saad Masood, batting at number seven, struck 30 from 17 balls with two fours and two sixes. Shahid added 15 late on, yet the required rate continued to rise.
Pakistan Shaheens were dismissed for 151 with three balls remaining. Coles completed an all round display and was named player of the match after taking four for 18. Scott Currie and Sonny Baker claimed two wickets each.
The Lions had taken the opening match by four wickets, led by an unbeaten 64 from Asa Tribe.
