Pakistan avoid whitewash, win fifth ODI
CARDIFF: Pakistan beat England by four wickets to secure a consolation victory in the fifth and final one-day international in Cardiff on Sunday.
England still won the series 4-1 but Pakistan's success denied them a first home 5-0 ODI clean sweep and ended their dream of an unbeaten season in 50-over cricket.
Pakistan collapsed to 77 for three chasing 303 before a fourth-wicket partnership of 163 between Shoaib Malik (77) and Sarfraz Ahmed (90) turned this match in the Welsh capital their way.
Imad Wasim, born in the nearby south Wales city of Swansea, hit the winning runs when he struck a four off all-rounder Chris Jordan with 10 balls to spare as Pakistan finished on 304 for six.
Mohammad Rizwan was 34 not out and left-hander Wasim 16 not out.
Earlier, Jason Roy and Ben Stokes both struck quickfire fifties as England made 302 for nine in the fifth and final one-day international against Pakistan in Cardiff on Sunday.
Roy made 87 and Stokes an ODI-best 75 as England, bidding for a first 5-0 clean sweep of a home one-day series, set Pakistan a challenging total to chase.
At 244 for five England -- who posted a world record 444 for three in the third ODI in Nottingham -- were set for another huge score.
But Pakistan pegged them back with paceman Hasan Ali taking an ODI best four for 60 and left-arm quick Mohammad Amir three for 50.
Opening batsman Roy, dropped on 56 when a diving Mohammad Rizwan could not hold a tough chance at mid-wicket, put on 72 for the fourth wicket with Stokes.
All-rounder Stokes and wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow then added 55 for the fifth wicket.
England made a rapid start after being sent into bat on a green-tinged pitch and under overcast skies by Pakistan captain Azhar Ali, who clearly hoped his pace bowlers could exploit the helpful conditions.
Alex Hales struck Amir, recalled in place of the injured Mohammad Irfan, for three successive fours in as many balls at the start of the fifth over.