Buttler makes the difference

Jos Buttler’s stunning 50-ball century just about proved the difference as England beat Pakistan by 12 runs in a thrilling second one-day international at Southampton on Saturday.

New father Buttler’s 110 not out was the cornerstone of World Cup hosts England’s 373 for three.

But Pakistan, thanks mainly to opener Fakhar Zaman’s 138, stayed in the game before a target of 19 off the last over, bowled by Chris Woakes, proved beyond them as they finished on 361 for seven.

Following Wednesday’s no-result washout at The Oval, victory left England 1-0 up in this five-match series.

Man-of-the-match Buttler’s innings featured nine sixes, including a straight drive off Hasan Ali that took him to three figures.

Together with England captain Eoin Morgan, who won the toss, Buttler shared an unbroken stand of 162.

But Pakistan, chasing a national record 374 for victory, saw Fakhar and Babar Azam (51) put on 135 for the second wicket. But when both batsmen fell in successive overs, it seemed Pakistan’s chance of an improbable had gone with them.

Asif Ali, however, ensured Pakistan stayed in the game with 51 before he was caught in the deep off David Willey, who held his nerve well late on to finish with two wickets for 57 runs in 10 overs.

SCORES IN BRIEF

England: 373 for 3 (Roy 87, Bairstow 51, Root 40, Morgan 71 not out, Buttler 110 not out)

Pakistan: 361 for 7 (Zaman 138, Babar 51, Asif 51, Sarfaraz 41; Willey 2-57)

Result: England won by 12 runs.