Malik’s match winning cameo seals the series for Pakistan against Scotland in Edinburgh

Edinburgh: Pakistan cricket team secured a majestic victory by 84 runs against Scotland in the second Twenty20 international match, thus sealing the 2-match series 2-0.

Batting first, the Pakistani opening pair of left-handed Fakhar Zaman and right-handed Ahmed Shahzad lay a solid foundation by stitching 60-run partnerships for the first wicket before a mini collapse which saw both openers, Hasan Talat, skipper Sarfraz heading towards the dug out in quick succession.

But Pakistan’s superstar Shoaib Malik upped the ante in last three overs with a blitzkrieg knock of 49*, hitting five sixes to guide his side to a solid 166/6 in allotted 20 overs.

In reply, Scotland were bundled out for 82 runs.

All-rounder Faheem Ashram took three wickets for his side while the left-arm pacer Usman Khan Shenwari claimed two scalps.

Usman Khan conceded only four runs from two overs and was adjudged player of the match.

Earlier, apart from Malik who made 49 runs, Fakhar played a camoe of 33 while Shahzad chipped in with 24 runs.

For Scotland, MA Leask claimed three scalps.

Pakistan sealed the series 2-0 to complete a successful tour of Ireland, England and Scotland during which the team won a test series against Ireland (1-0), drew the 2-match test series against England (1-1) and finally won the 2-match Twenty20 series against Scotland.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi congratulated the national side for the wonderful victory in a tweet: “Well played Team Pakistan. 3 out of 4 wins on this tour. Congrats to all Pakistanis who had faith in this young team.”

In the first match,  Pakistan beat Scotland by 48 runs.

The confident Pakistani side pulverised Scotland at Edinburgh in both games played on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

On 12 June, Pakistan under Sarfraz’s leadership won their first t20 against hosts Scotland.

Batting first, Pakistan posted a mammoth 204/4 in their allotted 20 overs with Sarfraz making an unbeaten 89* while their experienced campaigner Shoaib Malik scored an aggressive fifty (53) from just 27 deliveries.

In reply to Pakistan’s 204, Scotland could only manage 156/6.

For Scotland, MA Leask top scored with 38.

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan and young pacer Hasan Ali claimed two wickets each while spinner Nawaz and pace spearhead Mohammad Amir took a wicket each.

Amir was rested for the second game, Usman Khan was drafted in his place.

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