Davies stars as England beat Pakistan in first ODI

Updated on: 11 September,2010 07:38 AM IST |
AFP |

England cruised to a 24-run win over embattled Pakistan thanks to a tempo-setting display from Steve Davies in the first match of the one-day international series at the Riverside yesterday

England's Steven Davies plays a shot during the first ODI against Pakistan at the Durham International Cricket Ground yesterday. Pic/AFP

Davies was drafted into the England side in place of wicketkeeper-batsman Craig Kieswetter and he seized the opportunity to cement his place at the top of the order with 13 fours in a devastating innings of 87 from 67 balls.

Umar Gul and debutant Mohammad Irfan bore the brunt of Davies's onslaught as England reached 274 for six from a rain-reduced 41 overs after a two-hour delay caused by a wet outfield.

Pakistan never seriously threatened to chase down that target as England's bowlers kept the tourists on a tight leash, with Kamran Akmal's 53 and a quick-fire 43 from Umar Akmal in their total of 250-9.

Strauss said: "Steve Davies was outstanding with the bat and got us off to a flying start. Our score was very competitive on this wicket.

"The fielding could have been a bit better but I was pleased with the way we bowled at the end. I'm
pretty happy with what we've done."

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