Playing at Bristol on Tuesday, World Cup hosts England secured a six-wicket win over Pakistan, centered around a dominant hundred from Jonny Bairstow. In a strategic move, captain Eoin Morgan opted to bowl first after winning the toss, wanting his team to gain experience in high-pressure chases just before the World Cup begins.
England reached 359 for four to secure the win, marking their second-highest successful chase in an ODI. Bairstow's 128 was the key, extending England's series lead to 2-0 with two matches still remaining.
Joe Root contributed 43 runs as Pakistan's defensive game fell apart, leaving England to win comfortably with 31 balls left on the clock. Moeen Ali finished the game unbeaten on 46, supported by Morgan's 17 not out.
The only blot on the day was a slow over-rate that could land Eoin Morgan a suspension, as the team took four hours to bowl their 50 overs. Earlier in the match, Imam-ul-Haq played a stellar knock, scoring a personal best 151 to lead Pakistan to a total of 358 for nine.
Earlier, Imam-ul-Haq’s excellent career-best 151 saw Pakistan to 358 for nine.
England faced a daunting chase, made even more difficult by the absence of Jos Buttler, who was rested after his spectacular 110 not out in the previous match at Southampton.
Imam-ul-Haq broke his own previous record of 128 (set against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo last year) before eventually being bowled by Curran.