England lose a close match ahead of India one-day series
England suffered a five-run defeat in their only practice game ahead of a one-day series against India despite impressive half-centuries from Ian Bell and Matthew Prior here on Saturday.
England, chasing a 261-run target off 50 overs, were bowled out for 255 in the last over against the Rajasthan Cricket Association President’s team. The tourists, who squared a three-Test series 1-1 against India at Mumbai on Wednesday, will play seven one-dayers. The first match beings at Delhi on Tuesday. Middle-order batsman Bell top-scored with an 84-ball 71 while wicket-keeper Prior made 55 for the tourists, who were without key fast bowlers Andrew Flintoff and Matthew Hoggard. All-rounder Paul Collingwood (34), Kevin Pietersen (28), Kabir Ali (25 not out) and Ian Blackwell (23) were the other main run-getters for England. The hosts clinched the match with just one ball to spare when last-man James Anderson became the fourth run-out victim after making four runs. Earlier, middle-order batsman Mohammad Kaif slammed an unbeaten 119 to prop up the hosts. He struck two sixes and 11 fours in his 136-ball knock. He put on 72 for the third wicket with Suresh Raina, who contributed 49 off just 46 balls with the help of 10 fours. Collingwood was the most successful bowler with 2-28 off seven overs.
More: dailytimes.com.pk
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