News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 12 years ago
Rediff.com  » Cricket » Pietersen century helps England win ODI series

Pietersen century helps England win ODI series

Last updated on: February 19, 2012 09:52 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Kevin Pietersen hit his first ODI century for more than three years to steer England to a nine-wicket win over Pakistan Saturday to help them secure an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.

- Scorecard

Chasing 223 for victory, England eased home with 12.4 overs to spare after Pietersen (111 not out) and captain Alastair Cook (80) shared an opening partnership of 170.

Cook continued his excellent run with the bat, having made centuries in each of the first two matches in the series.

Pietersen's last one-day international century came against India in Cuttack in November 2008.

"It was a great start," said Cook. "It was nice to put a match-winning partnership together at the top of the order.

Kevin Pietersen"Our bowlers were outstanding too. To keep them down to 222 on that wicket was a fantastic effort."

Earlier, Steve Finn took three for 24 and fellow paceman Stuart Broad grabbed three for 42 as Pakistan were bowled out after winning the toss and deciding to bat.

All-rounder Shahid Afridi top-scored with 51 while Umar Akmal made 50.

"Full credit to the England team," said Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq. "Their seamers are really bowling well and putting us under pressure ... and it was a wonderful performance by their batsmen.

"One thing we can improve on is we can bat better than this and then try and set a good target and give our bowling a chance."

The fourth and final match in the series is in Dubai on Tuesday.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024