Morgan half-century guide England to victory

An unbeaten partnership of 112-run between Eoin Morgan and Kevin Pietersen helped England to secure a comfortable victory against Pakistan in the first Twenty20 International at Dubai Sports City.

Chasing 130, England made a sloppy start losing three early wickets for only 18 runs but Kevin Pietersen and Eoin Morgan rescued the team and steer theside to home with nine balls to spare. Morgan smashed 67 runs from 51 deliveries with seven fours and two bulky sixes while Pietersen supported him with run-a-ball 43 as England piled down the target with nine balls to spare.

Seamers Yasir Arafat and Abddul Razzaq took one wicket a piece removing both the English openers, Joe Denly (1) and Jonathan Trott (4) while captain Collingwood was run out for nought while taking a share double.

Earlier Pakistan after winning the toss decided to bat first to post a 129 runs as captain Shoaib Malik top scored with 33 off 26 balls, followed by Fawad Alam (23) and Abdul Razzaq (22). For England, Graeme Swann, Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan claimed two wickets each.

Tags: England to victory, Morgan half-century guide