Wednesday, 22 February 2012
A Kevin Pietersen century has guided England to a four-wicket win over Pakistan in their fourth and final one-day international on Tuesday.
The opener starred with his highest ever ODI score of 130, his second century in as many games, to see England to a 4-0 series sweep of Pakistan with the victory at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Asad Shafiq (65) and Azhar Ali (58) struck half-centuries as Pakistan were bowled out for 237 after electing to bat first.
But despite losing in-form captain Alastair Cook early, England were untroubled with Pietersen at the crease, reaching their target with four balls to spare.
Earlier, paceman Jade Dernbach collected figures of 4-45 to ensure his team chased a below-par total.
The right-arm fast-medium bowler removed openers Mohammad Hafeez (1) and Ali, who put on 111 for the second wicket with Shafiq.
Pakistan were in a strong position at the 30-over mark, when Umar Akmal (12) departed with the score at 3-135.
Despite captain Misbah-ul-Haq striking 46, Pakistan were unable to capitalise and finished with a total they were always going to struggle to defend.
Left-arm speedster Junaid Khan (1-53) removed Cook with the second ball of the innings to give them hope, and they were on top after reducing England to 4-68 in the 16th over.
Jonathan Trott (15), Eoin Morgan (15) and debutant Jos Buttler (0) all fell cheaply, before Craig Kieswetter (43) joined Pietersen for a 109-run fifth-wicket stand.
It was left to Pietersen, who smashed 12 fours and two sixes, to do the majority of the scoring as Samit Patel (17 not out) played a steady supporting role at the other end.
Pietersen departed when he edged a Saeed Ajmal (3-62) delivery to Abdur Rehman at point, but Tim Bresnan entered to hit the winning runs.
The teams will meet for three Twenty20 internationals, the first of which is in Dubai on Thursday.