A Clash of Titans at Old Trafford: England vs Pakistan T20 Thriller
The electrifying T20 match between England and Pakistan on June 18, 2025, at Old Trafford, Manchester, captivated cricket fans worldwide. Both teams brought immense firepower, and the contest lived up to expectations. England clinched a thrilling victory by just 5 runs in a game packed with tension, power-hitting, and standout performances.
First Innings: England Sets a Blazing Target
Phil Salt’s Century Sets the Tone
Winning the toss, England chose to bat first, a decision that paid dividends. Phil Salt stole the spotlight with a scintillating 100 off 58 balls, marking his maiden T20I century. His innings was a masterclass in brutal hitting, clever placements, and dominance over both pace and spin bowling.
Salt’s knock was not just entertaining but pivotal in providing England with early momentum. He consistently peppered the boundary, maintaining a run rate above 10 throughout his innings.
“This is one of the most commanding T20 centuries you’ll see in a long time,” remarked a Sky Sports commentator during the broadcast.
Jos Buttler Supports with Flair
England’s captain, Jos Buttler , complemented Salt’s innings with a quickfire 47 off 28 balls, featuring three sixes and five boundaries. Together, they forged a 121-run partnership that laid the foundation for a formidable total.
Pakistan’s Bowling Response
Despite the onslaught, Haris Rauf stood out with a disciplined spell, finishing with 2 wickets for 37 runs in 4 overs. He removed key batters in the middle overs and applied brakes when England looked set to score 230+.
England Final Score: 215/4 (20 overs)
Second Innings: Pakistan’s Valiant Chase Falls Short
Babar Azam’s Classy Knock
Chasing a mammoth target, Pakistan started aggressively. Captain Babar Azam played a composed yet attacking innings, scoring 69 off 45 balls. His elegant drives, timely pulls, and clinical placement kept Pakistan in the hunt.
Iftikhar Ahmed’s Late Surge
As the required run rate climbed, Iftikhar Ahmed launched a late assault, smashing 42 off just 19 deliveries, including 3 sixes and 4 fours. His fiery innings brought Pakistan back into contention, making the final over a nail-biting affair.
Reece Topley Holds His Nerve
With 13 runs needed off the last over, Reece Topley delivered under immense pressure. His accurate yorkers and slower balls frustrated the Pakistani batters, conceding just 7 runs and securing a 5-run victory for England.
Pakistan Final Score: 210/6 (20 overs)
Full Scorecard Snapshot
England Batting
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Salt | 100 | 58 | 9 | 6 |
| Jos Buttler | 47 | 28 | 5 | 3 |
| Moeen Ali* | 29* | 16 | 3 | 2 |
| Harry Brook | 18 | 10 | 2 | 1 |
Extras: 21
Total: 215/4 in 20 overs
Pakistan Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haris Rauf | 4 | 37 | 2 |
| Shaheen Afridi | 4 | 46 | 1 |
| Shadab Khan | 4 | 39 | 1 |
Pakistan Batting
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | 69 | 45 | 8 | 1 |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | 42 | 19 | 4 | 3 |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 34 | 27 | 3 | 1 |
| Fakhar Zaman | 25 | 17 | 2 | 2 |
Extras: 20
Total: 210/6 in 20 overs
England Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reece Topley | 4 | 32 | 1 |
| Adil Rashid | 4 | 28 | 2 |
| Sam Curran | 4 | 40 | 1 |
Player of the Match: Phil Salt
With a thunderous century and key contributions in the field, Phil Salt was deservingly named Player of the Match. His innings laid the platform for a defendable total and energized the crowd at Old Trafford.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- England's aggressive top order put Pakistan under early pressure.
- Pakistan’s chase was competitive but lacked finishing calm under pressure.
- Death bowling made the difference, especially from Reece Topley.
- The match showcased why T20 cricket is the most thrilling format, with every over packed with drama.
Related Resources
Final Thoughts
The England vs Pakistan T20 clash at Old Trafford will be remembered for its intensity and world-class performances. From Phil Salt's commanding century to Babar Azam’s elegant strokeplay and the thrilling final over, this match had all the ingredients of a T20 classic. Cricket fans eagerly await the remaining games in the series, hoping for more such exhilarating encounters.
