Pallekele, February 24 Sahibzada Farhan continued his excellent form with another half-century as Pakistan scored a competitive 164/9 against England in a must-win Super Eights match of the T20 World Cup here on Tuesday.
Farhan scored 63 off 45 balls, with seven fours and two sixes against the English spinners, who were effective for most of Pakistan's innings.
Left-arm spinner Liam Dawson was the most successful of the England bowlers, taking 3/24, and also prevented Pakistan from reaching the target of 175 by taking consecutive wickets in the 18th over.
Dawson first dismissed Usman Khan, whose powerful shot was caught by Jamie Overton, and then Mohammed Nawaz was caught off the very next ball. Dawson bowled consistently, kept the ball in the right area, and had as many as 12 dot balls.
The Pakistan innings lost momentum after Farhan and returning batsman Fakhar Zaman (25 off 16 balls) were dismissed in quick succession, following a brisk partnership of 49 in 4.5 overs for the fourth wicket.
Farhan played well against the slow bowlers and smashed off-spinner Will Jacks deep into the cow corner.
While Zaman, after a few powerful shots, failed to read Adil Rashid's googly, and Overton took a well-judged catch.
However, Overton's (2/26 in 4 overs) most significant contribution during the innings was a pinpoint yorker to Farhan, who was slow to react, and the ball hit the base of the middle stump.
Earlier, Saim Ayub's technique was once again exposed by Jofra Archer (2/32 in 4 overs), who dismissed him with a fast and short ball, which he mistimed and was caught deep behind square.
Skipper Salman Ali Agha continued his poor form, and Overton took a smart catch to dismiss Dawson, giving him his first breakthrough of the game.
While Farhan had to restrain his natural instincts during the first 10 overs, Babar Azam (25 off 24 balls) struggled to maintain the pace, adding 46 off just 7.2 overs.
Having been unable to get the big hits going, he tried an ill-advised shot off Overton and was bowled in the process.
