Banton’s effort in vain as rain washes away match

The opening batsman smashed four fours and five sixes in an entertaining knock, which featured lusty hitting and unorthodox scoops. His aggressive innings helped England get to 131 for six in 16.1 overs before it started to rain at Old Trafford.

Pakistan never got to bat in what would have ended up being an unsatisfactory five-over match, with the ground staff unable to get the conditions ready in time. Banton’s departure sparked the loss of four wickets for 14 runs in 19 balls before the stoppage.

Prior to that, opener Jonny Bairstow was out for two and Dawid Malan made a run-a-ball 23 as Pakistan won the toss and decided to field first under the floodlights. England had scored just 34 for 1 after six overs, the team’s lowest powerplay total since the 2016 World Twenty20 final against the West Indies.

Spinners Imad Wasim (2/31) and Shadab Khan (2/33) were Pakistan’s best bowlers in Manchester, where there were no spectators because of the coronavirus restrictions. The other matches in the series are on Sunday and Tuesday.