Jonny Bairstow and Steven Finn inspired England to a 38-run victory over Pakistan here Saturday to level the three-match series of Twenty20 internationals at 1-1. England chose to bat first under lights and chalked up 150 for seven with the 22-year-old Bairstow clubbing an unbeaten 60 in 46 balls. Man of the match Bairstow, son of the late former England wicketkeeper David, belted five fours and two sixes. Opener Craig Kieswetter also chipped in with 31 off 24 deliveries, while Pakistan seamer Umar Gul took two for 31 and spinner Saeed Ajmal produced an economical spell of one for 20 in four overs. Pakistan started its run chase badly, slumping to two for two after losing Mohammad Hafeez for a duck and Asad Shafiq for one. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals and Shahid Afridi top-scored with 25 in 23 balls as Pakistan was bowled out for 112 in 18.2 overs. England captain Stuart Broad and spinner Graeme Swann took two wickets apiece but improving young paceman Finn stole the show by returning figures of three for 30 and running out Ajmal for a duck with a direct hit from close range. “We talked about the comeback and I think the guys showed a lot of character,” said Broad. “To set 151 I think we were well set to win and then the bowlers did a wonderful job.” Pakistan captain Misbah blamed poor batting by his teammates. “I think 151 was a gettable target because the wicket had nothing for the bowlers,” said Misbah. “But we had a very poor start and then lost wickets regularly and you don't win matches after that.” The third and final match will be in Abu Dhabi Monday.
