Pakistan need 212 against England to qualify for final

England, batting first, managed to put 211 runs for Pakistan to chase in the all-important semi-final being played today in Cardiff.

Off to a steady start, the English middle-order crumbled to a fierce pace attack by Pakistan. Eventually, England wrapped up their account with 211 runs.

For Pakistan, the star of the day was Hasan Ali, who picked up three crucial wickets and contributed to England`s sluggish run rate. Rumman Raees, Junaid Khan each got two wickets while Shadab Khan claimed the vital Joe Root wicket.

England`s highest scorer was Joe Root, who made 46 off 56 deliveries. He is followed by opener JM Bairstow, who added 43 off 57 to the 211 run total posted by the hosts.

This is the first time England and Pakistan are playing against each other in a Champions Trophy match.

Last summer England defeated Pakistan 4-1 in a UK home series. The one match in which Pakistan emerged victorious was held in Cardiff, where Sarfraz Ahmed helped his side chase a 300-plus target.

Source: DAWN