England cruise to T20 win

England wrapped up a 2-0 Twenty20 series victory over Pakistan after the tourists suffered the embarrassment of being dismissed for 89 to add to their off-field problems here on Tuesday.

World Twenty20 champions England finished on 90 for four to complete a six-wicket win with 36 balls to spare, having won by five wickets here Sunday.

Pakistan’s total was their worst in 40 matches at this level while England’s seventh straight Twenty20 international win saw them equal a record held jointly by South Africa and Pakistan.

“It was irresponsible the way we played,” said Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. “England are the world champions. We have to take more responsibility and show more pride.”

By contrast, elated England skipper Paul Collingwood said: “It’s a special achievement and we obviously did it during the best time which was during the World Cup.

“We are just doing a lot of things really good - and we still have a lot of intent with the bat as well. Hopefully that continues into the future.” Yorkshire seamer Tim Bresnan, the man-of-the-match, took three wickets for 10 runs in 3.4 overs as Pakistan fell well short of their previous worst Twenty20 international score of 125 for nine in 20 overs against Australia at Melbourne in February.

England had held Pakistan to 126 for four on Sunday. But they did even better in this match as Pakistan were bowled out with eight balls of their innings left.

Stuart Broad, left-arm quick Ryan Sidebottom and off-spinner Graeme Swann took two wickets each, while left-arm spinner Michael Yardy’s four overs cost just 10 runs.

Umar Akmal’s 17 was the top score for 2009 World Twenty20 winners Pakistan.

The tourists, after Afridi won the toss, collapsed to 22 for four off five overs after taking 11 off the first from Sidebottom.

Bresnan started the slump with Kamran Akmal, for the second match in a row, top-edging a pull which was well caught by Swann.

CARDIFF, AFP