Barbadian born fast bowler Jofra Archer showed signs of his mercurial best when he took 2-28 during England’s 23 run win over Pakistan at Edgbaston earlier today in the second T20I of the four match series.
The hosts were sent into bat by Pakistan and made 183-7 in their allotted overs, thanks to an inspired knock of 84 runs from their captain Jos Buttler. In reply Pakistan fought hard for much of their 160 all out but fell away at the end and were bowled out with four balls to spare.
In his first international match in 385 days and first professional match in England since the 2019 Ashes, Archer slashed his first ball for four and smashed his third for six in a cameo of 12 not out from four deliveries towards the end of the innings.
With chants of “Jofra!” all around the 25,000 capacity ground in Birmingham greeting the 28 year old at his mark, Archer was given a dose of reality when his first over went for 15 runs including a powerfully struck maximum by Babar Azam. However he responded in his next three overs to take two wickets for 13 runs to finish with figures of 2-28. His first wicket back was wicket keeper Azam Khan who scuffed a drive into the welcoming hands of vice captain Moeen Ali at cover.
Much to the delight of the fans present live and those watching on television, Archer was hitting speeds of 90 miles per hour consistently and finished the game without an apparent injury, which is good news for England fans who have waited 1714 days or just over four and a half years to watch the 50 over World Cup winner live at home.
The next T20I will be at Sophia Gardens on Tuesday May 28.
Summarised Scores
England 183-7 in 20 overs (Jos Buttler 84, Will Jacks 37; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-36, Imad Wasim 2-19)
Pakistan 160 all out in 19.4 overs (Fakhar Zaman 45, Babar Azam 32; Reece Topley 3-41, Jofra Archer 2-28)
England won by 23 runs.
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