A new look English side thrashed Pakistan by 9 wickets in the first ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.
England went into this match with a new look XI, after a covid outbreak meant their actual series squad had to isolate. But once they took the field they looked an accomplished side.
England led by Ben Stokes put Pakistan to bat after winning the toss. Fast bowler Saqib Mehmood ran through the line up picking a wicket off the first ball of the match. He ended up with figures of 4-42 as Pakistan were dismissed for 141.
Pakistan never recovered from the early damage as their captain Babar Azam was dismissed for naught. They still had 14 overs left when the first innings was wrapped up.
England then chased down the meagre target with ease. They lost just the one wicket of Pjilip Salt and finished the game in the 21.5 overs.
For Pakistan it was a poor performance to begin a series they would be hoping to do well in. They will have to pick themselves up as the series continues at Lord’s on Saturday.
Brief scores
Pakistan: 141, 35.2 overs (S Mahmood 4-42)
England: 142-1, 21.5 overs (D Malan 68 no, Z Crawley 58 no)
Result: England won by nine wickets.
