In a nail-biting finale that had fans on the edge of their seats, Joe Root answered his critics with a sublime, unbeaten 84 to steer England to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the fourth and final T20 international at a buzzing Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
The match, which served as a crucial warm-up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, was a rollercoaster of emotions. England, chasing a competitive target of 158, found themselves in deep trouble at 100-6. The prospect of a 2-2 series draw seemed imminent, casting a shadow over the team's preparations.
Root Stands Tall When It Matters Most
Stepping into the high-pressure situation, Root played a captain's innings, showcasing the classical technique and cool-headed temperament that has defined his career. Dispatching the ball to all parts of the ground, his 84 runs came from just 54 deliveries, a strike-rate of 155 that silenced any lingering doubts about his suitability for the modern T20 game.
His partnership of 43 with the resilient Chris Green for the seventh wicket was the turning point, steadying the ship and swinging momentum firmly back in England's favour.
A Tense Final Over Finish
The drama reached its peak in the final over. With Root at the crease and victory in sight, it was tailender Jofra Archer who fittingly hit the winning runs, sealing the match with three balls to spare and sending the home crowd into raptures. The win secured a valuable 3-1 series victory for England, providing a significant morale boost ahead of their World Cup campaign.
Earlier, Pakistan's innings was anchored by a solid 86 from their top order, but disciplined bowling from England's attack, particularly the spinners, restricted them to a total of 157 that proved just within reach.
More Than Just a Win
This victory was about more than just the series scoreline. For Root, it was a powerful personal statement, proving his immense value and world-class ability in the shortest format of the game. For the team, it was a demonstration of fierce character and a winning mentality, fighting back from a seemingly lost cause to clinch a memorable win.
The result caps a positive build-up for Jos Buttler's side as they finalise their plans for the World Cup, showing they possess both the star quality and the deep resolve needed to compete for the title.
