Flynn takes England to Vitality IT20 Tri-Series Final
An unbeaten 64 from Callum Flynn helped England qualify for the Vitality IT20 Tri-Series Physical Disability Final thanks to a vital six win against Pakistan at Old Elizabethans Cricket Club.
Bangladesh subsequent narrow four run loss to Pakistan meant that England and Pakistan will compete in tomorrow's final at Kidderminster Cricket Club.
England opted to bowl first in a game that would decide their fate in the tournament. Jordan Williams and Alex Hammond picked up a wicket apiece, including the dangerous Muhammad Shahbaz for eight, to leave Pakistan struggling early on at 22-2.
Matloob Qureshi (35) and Saif Ullah (34) combined for a 70-run partnership that threatened to take the game away from England. England fought back as a diving catch from Matt Askin removed Ullah before Fred Bridges tempted Qureshi into finding Liam O’Brien at extra cover who took a sharp catch.
Jahanzeb Tiwana continued to push Pakistan towards a decent score before skipper Iain Nairn took a big catch down at long on off the bowling of O’Brien for 29.
The returning Dan Hamm took the final two wickets to fall, leaving Pakistan 160-7.
Alex Hammond started the reply in fine style, driving Abdullah Ejaz for three fours in the first over as England raced to 29-0 from the first two overs.
Nihar Alam then dismissed Liam Thomas and Alex’s brother Hugo cheaply to drag his side back into the game.
That brought the Lancastrian Flynn to the crease who along with Alex Hammond looked to break the back of the run chase. The pair put on 44 before the in-form Hammond was trapped leg before by Malik Kashif for 43. Waqaf Shah then removed Nairn for 2 as England wobbled at 91-4.
Flynn was not to be deterred. He had all the answers as, alongside O’Brien (20*), he finished unbeaten on 64 to see England home by 6 wickets with 15 balls to spare.
England's nerves were severely tested later in the afternoon as Bangladesh threatened to upset the odds in the second game, falling just four runs short in a chase of 139 against Pakistan that would have seen them qualify in England's place.
