First ODI: England win by 44 runs on D/L method in rain-affected contest
England on Wednesday beat Pakistan by 44 runs on Duckworth–Lewis method after rain stopped play twice in three balls during the 34th over in England's pursuit of 261-run target in the first of the five One-Day Internationals (ODI) at Ageas Bowl here at Southampton.
The hosts were 194 for three after 34.3-overs when a heavy shower forced players and umpires off the field.
Pakistan chances brightened after the Three Lions suffered a set back in the shape of Joe Root's run-out.
The right-hander's stay at the crease was curtailed to 72 balls as Pakistan captain Azhar Ali hit the wickets directly when Morgan called for a quick single after dropping the ball.
However, before getting dismissed, Root played his part with a brilliant 61 — his third consecutive ODI fifty.
Opener Jason Roy gave England a profound start, scoring boundaries at regular intervals, that gave the hosts an upper hand over Pakistan. He was dropped by Sarfraz Ahmed off Mohammad Amir — a moment that proved to be a game changer.
His 56-ball 65 was embellished with seven awe-inspiring boundaries — six fours and a six.