Tamil Diplomat

England v Pakistan: Ben Stokes & Jonny Bairstow fifties set up Headingley win

Half-centuries from Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow led England to a four-wicket win over Pakistan and a 4-0 lead in the one-day series. Stokes made 69, the recalled Bairstow 61 and Moeen Ali an unbeaten 45 as the hosts recovered from 72-4 to chase 248 with two overs to spare at Headingley.

Pakistan’s 247-8 featured 80 from captain Azhar Ali and Imad Wasim’s 57 not out off 41 balls. Adil Rashid claimed 3-47 and Moeen did not concede a boundary in his 2-39.

Victory may not have been as comprehensive as England’s record-breaking performance at Trent Bridge on Tuesday, but it gave them an unassailable 16-8 lead in the ‘Super Series’. They have now won 12 of their past 13 one-day internationals against Pakistan, and will complete a 5-0 series whitewash if they triumph at Cardiff on Sunday.(BBC,2016)