DURHAM, Sept 10: England, inspired by 87 from new wicketkeeper-batsman Steven Davies, defeated Pakistan for the fourth time in a row on Friday.

A 24-run victory in the first of five 50-over internationals followed a 2-0 win in the Twenty20 series after England had won the fourth and final match to complete a 3-1 triumph in the Test series.

Pakistan, who capitulated dismally in the second Twenty20 match in Cardiff, showed much more fight on Friday in a game reduced to 41 overs a side because of rain.

Chasing an impressive England score of 274 for six, they battled valiantly but lost wickets at important times to total 250 for nine. Opener Kamran Akmal made an overdue return to form with 53 from 61 balls while his brother Umar hit 43 in 33 deliveries. Slow bowlers Graeme Swann and Michael Yardy put a brake on the scoring after Pakistan had started brightly with 62 from 65 balls.—Reuters