James Vince Makes England T20 Debut in Win Over Pakistan

Hampshire batsman James Vince (41) impressed with the bat on his international debut and Hants team-mate Reece Topley (3-24) picked up three wickets as England beat Pakistan by 14 runs in the first match of the series.  

The Hants skipper, who scored more runs than anybody else in this year’s NatWest T20 Blast campaign, received his T20 cap from former England captain and now Sky Sports Pundit David Lloyd prior to the start of play.

After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, the visitors lost three quick wickets early on as former Hants seamer Sohail Tanvir caused problems and was responsible for the dismissals of Jason Roy (9) and Moeen Ali (0).

However, Vince and captain Eoin Morgan (45*) steadied the ship and built the England total into a more comfortable position.

Vince played a number of trademark shots during his 36-ball stay at the crease, including a huge six off former Hampshire all-rounder Shahid Afridi (0-33) and six fours.

The Hants captain eventually fell for 41, but Morgan and a brilliant knock from Kent wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings (53) helped England reach 160-5 from their 20 overs.

Hampshire fast-bowler Topley then picked up the early wicket of Sarfraz Ahmed (1) as Pakistan lost regular wickets in their reply.

Yorkshire fast-bowler Liam Plunkett (3-21) starred with the ball during the middle overs whilst Lancashire spinner Steven Parry (2-33) picked up the important wicket of Afridi as the home side never looked likely to reach the target.

Topley continued to prove his worth at the death with two wickets in the final over as Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 146 to put England 1-0 in the series.

England Cricket return to the The Ageas Bowl on Tuesday 5^th July, when Eoin Morgan's side face reigning T20 World Champions, Sri Lanka in what's sure to be an action-packed NatWest IT20. England then face Pakistan in a series-opening Royal London ODI on Wednesday 24th August.