Captain Harry Brook said he “couldn’t ask for any more” from his England team-mates despite Sunday’s one-wicket ODI defeat to Pakistan.
Ben Duckett scored 105 off 111 deliveries as England posted a below-par 241 all out in Lahore, with opposition captain Shaheen Shah Afridi claiming 4-46 with the ball.
The hosts then found themselves reeling at 154-9 in the chase, but Shadab Khan’s unbeaten 113 off 96 inspired an 89-run last-wicket partnership that secured the win.
England have now lost three one-day games in a row and will meet Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday for a spot against Pakistan in the ODI tri-series final.
Brook focuses on the positives
Speaking during the post-match presentation, Brook said on Sky Sports: “I don’t think it went wrong with the ball, to be honest.
“I thought we did an exceptional job to restrict them to us nearly winning the game.
“We probably didn’t quite get enough runs on the board, but the effort the boys put in with the ball and in the field was phenomenal.
“I couldn’t ask for any more.
“Ben Duckett played an exceptional innings – his fifth ODI hundred, which came at a good time.
“He played really well and that partnership that he and Sam Curran had together put us in a decent position to kick on.
“Unfortunately, we lost a few wickets in quick succession, but the way that Gus Atkinson finished the innings off was awesome.”
Afridi ‘really happy’ with result
Victorious skipper Afridi, meanwhile, stated: “The way Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf finished the game with the bat – I have never seen in my life an innings like that.
“I am really happy as a captain.
“Starting with the bowling, the team effort was top-drawer.
“We thought we had a lot of variation in the team so that’s why we brought Shadab in.
“[But] we need top-order runs, we’re struggling.
“I hope the next few games we’ll bring that energy.”
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