August 24, 2007	Friday	Sha’aban 10, 1428

LEICESTER (England), Aug 23: Pakistan Under-19s produced a strong seven-wicket win in the fifth and final game to claim the one-day series against England Under-19s 3-1 at Grace Road on Thursday.

After electing to bat first, England posted 165 before being dismissed in 49.3 overs by a much-improved Pakistan, who reached their target with 13 overs to spare.

Pakistan’s bowling and fielding, which was almost unrecognisable from Thursday’s effort, set up the victory. The spinners bowled 37 overs and England struggled to force the pace on a pitch that was taking extra turn.

Alex Wakely had a short stay at the crease — run-out without facing — and Billy Godleman couldn’t reprise his century form, labouring through 47 balls for 19 before edging behind.

The middle-order was then tied down by a quintet of spinners. Imad Wasim, the captain, ended with the best figures — including his opposite number Rory-Hamilton Brown superbly caught and bowled.

Liam Dawson fell in similar fashion, as Wasim stuck out his right hand and plucked the ball out of the air. Ben Brown fought hard for his 31, which ended as the equal top score with Tom Westley.

Taimur Ali fell early in the run chase, trapped lbw by Steven Finn, but a solid base was laid by Ahmed Shahzad and Umar Amin.

The victory was completed by an unbroken century stand between Umar and Ali Asad, who both reached half-centuries. Umar completed a productive series with his 72 while Ali hit seven boundaries.

Summarised scores:

ENGLAND UNDER-19 165 in 49.3 overs (Tom Westley 31, Ben Brown 31; Imad Wasim 4-25); PAKISTAN UNDER-19 169-3 in 37 overs (Umar Amin 72 not out, Ali Asad 52 not out; Steven Finn 2-33).—Agencies