Cricket: Pakistan rallies past England

Pakistan's Shoaib Malik plays a shot during their second match at the Twenty20 international series against England in Dubai, February 20, 2010. REUTERS/Karl Jeffs

Abdul Razzaq leads Pakistan to four-wicket win over the Poms in Dubai


Abdul Razzaq hammered five sixes in a swashbuckling 18-ball innings of 46 not out on Saturday to lead Pakistan to a four-wicket win over England in the second and final match in the Twenty20 series.


Pakistan, who lost Friday's opening game in Dubai by seven wickets, were set a victory target of 149 and were in trouble when debutant fast bowler Ajmal Shahzad grabbed two wickets in the first over.

Spinner Graeme Swann also claimed three wickets as Pakistan slipped to 78 for five but Razzaq showed no fear, carrying his team to victory with six balls to spare.

Earlier, England were indebted to Kevin Pietersen as they chalked up 148 for six after being put in to bat.

Pietersen followed up his 43 not out on Friday with a dynamic 40-ball 62 that included three sixes.

He and opener Jonathan Trott (39) shared a stand of 98 for the second wicket but seamer Yasir Arafat pegged England back by taking three for 32.

England leave for their tour of Bangladesh on Sunday while Pakistan's next mission will be to defend their Twenty20 World Cup title in the Caribbean in April and May.