Third T20I Abandoned Due to Rain in Cardiff
Series Marred by Weather
The third T20I between England and Pakistan was abandoned without a ball being bowled on Wednesday due to heavy rains in Cardiff. This is the second game in the series to be washed out, following a similar fate for the first T20I in Leeds due to inclement weather.
England Leads Series 1-0
The series now hinges on the fourth and final T20I, which will be held at Kennington Oval in London. England leads the series 1-0 after securing a victory in the second match at Edgbaston.
Highlights of the Second T20I
In the second T20I, England skipper Jos Buttler played a crucial role, scoring an 84 off 51 balls. He navigated through the new ball threat posed by Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Amir. Buttler's innings saw him reaching the milestone of 3000 T20 runs and equaling Eoin Morgan as the most-capped English player in the format.
Buttler received support from Will Jacks and Jonny Bairstow, helping England to a promising position before a late collapse reduced them from 144 for two to 183 for seven in five overs. Afridi and Amir were instrumental in this turnaround, claiming five wickets between them, while leg-spinner Shadab Khan struggled, conceding 55 runs in his four overs.
Pakistan's Response
Chasing 184, Pakistan faced early setbacks with openers Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub dismissed cheaply within the Powerplay. Captain Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman attempted a recovery, adding 53 runs for the third wicket. Babar was dismissed for 32 by Moeen Ali, while Fakhar kept Pakistan in the hunt with an aggressive 45 off 21 balls before falling to the mounting asking rate and consistent English wickets.
Late Resurgence and England's Bowling Prowess
Pakistan found themselves at 100 for six when Iftikhar Ahmed and Imad Wasim attempted a late surge with a few big hits. However, Reece Topley dismissed Iftikhar, and the lower order crumbled. Jofra Archer, making a comeback after a year-long injury, picked up two wickets, sealing a comprehensive win for England.
Upcoming Matches
After the fourth T20I, both teams will shift their focus to the T20 World Cup. England is set to face Scotland in their opening match on June 4, while Pakistan will take on hosts USA on June 6.
