England deaf win Twenty20

24 August 2006

England deaf claimed a 51-run victory over their Pakistan counterparts in a swiftly arranged Twenty20 friendly at Sittingbourne.

Heavy overnight rain had led to the cancellation of the second one-day international, the first having been won by the tourists, and to give the players time out in the middle a 20-over contest was agreed upon.

England won the toss and decided to bat first with top-order batsmen Ben Young and Mike O’Mahony leading from the front.

Both players scored 29 while a rapid 17 from Nigel Davenport enabled the hosts to post a competitive 123 for nine off their allotted 20 overs.

In reply, Pakistan made a poor start and never recovered as wickets went down at regular intervals due to a succession of rash shots.

The accuracy of Davenport, who conceded just five runs off four overs, and Blyth Duncan (4-25) prevented Pakistan from getting into the game as the pressure of falling behind the required run-rate began to tell.

Stefan Pichowski and Stephen George also performed well with the ball, claiming two wickets apiece, as the Pakistan innings stuttered to 72 for eight by the close.

England: 123-9 off 20 overs.
Pakistan: 72-8 off 20 overs.