England have commenced their summer fixtures with a 23-run victory over Pakistan in the second T20 international.
After the first fixture was washed out courtesy of the wet weather, there was extra importance on Saturday's game at Edgbaston, with Jofra Archer making his first outing for over 14 months.
The pace bowler delivered 2-28 from his four overs after Jos Buttler's 84 with the bat, with the pair playing key roles as England bowled out Pakistan for 160.
Having won the toss, Pakistan put their hosts into bat, and the early breakthrough was made when Phil Salt (13) went at the start of the fourth over.
However, Will Jacks arrived at the crease to put on a 71-run partnership alongside Buttler before departing for 37 from just 23 balls, putting the onus on Buttler to kick on.
Buttler stars in Birmingham
With Jonny Bairstow (21) one of only two other England batsmen to reach double figures, the other being Archer with 12, England's captain hit 84 from 51 deliveries in a knock that included three maximums.
"What an amazing shot!" 🎙️
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) May 25, 2024
England and Buttler are starting to accelerate now ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/hLcuFeOXss
After seeing England reach 183-7, Pakistan were dealt an abysmal start as Mohammad Rizwan departed for a third-ball duck, Saim Ayub soon following for two.
Babar Azam (32) and Fakhar Zaman (45) blasted nine fours and three sixes between them to keep Pakistan in the match, yet wickets were being lost at regular intervals.
Six England bowlers chipped in with wickets, with Reece Topley the pick with 3-41, but Moeen Ali's 2-26 on familiar territory for the veteran all-rounder also proved crucial.
Pakistan lost their final wicket with four balls remaining ahead of the third of fourth matches taking place in Cardiff on Tuesday night.
