Livingstone explores boundaries as Pakistan crumble

England level series to set up T20 decider

England 200 all out (19.5 overs)

Pakistan 155-9 (20 overs)

England won by 45 runs

Liam Livingstone’s crashing boundaries, a colourful capacity crowd, plus a hefty dose of Jungle music providing the pre and post-match soundtrack, ensured that Sunday’s instalment between England and Pakistan was a memorable one.

And that’s without the fact that this was the very first T20 international to be held at Headingley in its entire 131-year history. Was it worth the wait? Undoubtedly so, especially if you happen to be an England fan.

After a scintillating performance at Trent Bridge two days earlier, it came as little surprise that Pakistan remained unchanged. As for England, it was Jos Buttler, Chris Jordan and Adil Rashid in; Eoin Morgan, Luke Gregory, David Willey out.

Just like Friday, the visitors were bowling first and conditions were red-hot. Jason Roy also looked on fire, but was soon out after being caught for 10 off a massive outside edge. His opening partner, Buttler, who was filling in as skipper, had other ideas and eventually top-scored with 59. Livingstone, now almost a dead-cert for the T20 World Cup in October, ended on 38, including a stadium-clearing six that’s possibly a record on these shores.

The Mexican waves kept going as Pakistan started off their innings brightly. At 50 for no loss, it looked like it could be a glorious green day once more, but that soon became 105 for six as their opponent’s spin-heavy attack started to dominate. With Moeen Ali, Rashid, Livingstone and Matt Parkinson all having a go, this was laying down a serious marker for the turning tracks in the UAE that will play host to the World Cup.

In the end, the death-bowling, the main bone of contention with this England side, wasn’t put to the test as they ran out winners by 45 runs. The decider at Old Trafford is sure to be as intense as it gets, and it’s nothing more than the series deserves. Meanwhile, Headingley, scene of many an historic moment, never felt so good.

Cue strains of Sweet Caroline from jubilant fans, although whether it outshone the Jungle music remains a matter of opinion.