England thrash Pakistan to qualify

England secured qualification to the Super Eight phase of the World Twenty20 championships with a 48-run victory over Pakistan. The home side were put in to bat at the Oval and posted 185-8 in 20 overs, including 58 from Kevin Pietersen, 34 from Luke Wright and 33 from Owais Shah.

Pakistan were behind in their run chase from the opening of their innings and a steady flow of wickets meant they ended on 137-7. The size of Pakistan's defeat means they must beat Holland by a large total on Tuesday to qualify from the group, while England’s margin of victory meant they go through thanks to a superior run rate

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Mike Selvey, the Guardian: "England redeemed themselves at The Oval yesterday evening. Faced with the embarrassing prospect, as host nation, of an exit from the competition before some sides had played a match, they kept alive their ambitions of a first major one-day trophy by progressing to the next round with a resounding 48-run win over Pakistan, a maverick, mercurial side but one with the highest Twenty20 win ratio of all."

Richard Hobson, the Times: "England opted for a late change to the team after watching South Africa beat Scotland earlier, calling up a second spin bowler having seen the turn and bounce available from an ageing pitch. It proved a wise move as Adil Rashid held his nerve against some of the most experienced one-day players in the game."

Nick Hoult, Daily Telegraph: "England were bolder with the bat, following a six-less performance against Holland, with a commanding total. They were brave with the ball, mixing up their variation to leave the Pakistan run chase floundering. And crucially, they were adventurous in selection, opting for two spinners, including a green leggie, against a team that plays twirlers better than any other. And after endlessly talking up the benefits of the Indian Premier League they actually picked a guy with experience of playing in it, Dimi Mascarenhas, and opened the bowling with him." ·