Jofra Archer has claimed two wickets on his long-awaited return to international cricket to help England beat Pakistan by 23 runs at Edgbaston to move 1-0 up in the four-match T20 series.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Saturday's match was Archer's first appearance on the international stage in 14 months, but he had not played for his country on English soil since 2020 after an injury-hit few years where he had been troubled by repeated issues with his right elbow.
Archer was able to make up for lost time and bounce back from an expensive first over which went for 15 runs to finish with 2-28 and help England dismiss Pakistan for 160 in pursuit of 184.
England's 7-183 was largely down to a blistering half-century from captain Jos Buttler, who struck three sixes on his way to 84 before a collapse of five wickets for 25 runs left the door open for Pakistan.
That allowed Archer to produce an unexpected cameo of 12 not out to set 184 to win, which proved too many for Pakistan.
Pakistan's innings was led by Fakhar Khan with 45 runs off 21 balls while skipper Babar Azam scored 32 before falling lbw to Moeen Ali.
Archer dismissed wicketkeeper Azam Khan (11) and Imad Wasim (22), both caught.
Australian Associated Press
