CT 2017: Pakistan bowlers restrict England to 211

Cardiff June 14 (IANS) Pakistan bowlers put up a quality display and restricted England to 211 runs in 49.5 overs in the first semi-final match of the Champions Trophy cricket tournament at the Sophia Gardens here on Wednesday.

Pacer Hasan Ali scalped three wickets for 35 runs while Juniad Khan and debutant Rumman Raees chipped in with two wickets each.

For England Joe Root (46) Jonny Bairstow (43) and Ben Stokes (34) were the major contributors to the cause.

England who were brilliant in the group stages wasted a steady start thanks to Pakistani bowlers who were right on the coin throughout the match. England s ploy to bring back Bairstow in place of Jason Roy clicked but some poor middle-order batting saw Pakistani players dominating the hosts.

World No.8 Pakistan however were seen struggling in the fielding initially but soon fielders pulled up their socks and took some good catches in the middle to deny England scope to post a challenging total.

--IANS
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