So, from the 7th or 8th over I was saying '180' to one of my companions. In the end England got just above that.
Most notable was that it seemed tough to get in. Buttler managed it, Bairstow kind of managed it. Only Jacks and Fakhar seemed to be able to take on the bowling from the outset. Hence my statement that Fakhar is Pakistan's best opener. England kept getting pegged back but Pakistan were from the early stages losing early wickets. At half-way it felt set up for a trademark Babar/Rizwan chase.
Aside from that, it was great to see Jofra back. Although every time he fielded that ball I winced, worried he'd shatter into a million pieces.
Was not impressed by Shaheen or Haris - the other two bowlers I was excited to see.
Anyway, the biggest takeaway was how awesome the Pakistan fans are. The place lit up whenever an England wicket fell. FRom the moment they read the teams out and every England name (aside from 'Brother Mo') got booed.
It was great seeing so many families (something the ECB complain about not being able to attract), it was easy to get served at the bar cause at least half the crowd didn't drink.
Also, maybe it's just the guys sat behind us, but Pakistan fans are the biggest haters ever. To hilarious levels. "More than 120 clicks, Amir", Azam Khan the "tortoise", Haris with his "buffet bowling". I haven't heard such hating since the Playa Haters' Ball on Chappelle's Show
Also, there was a Pakistan fan handing out pizza boxes down the row in front of us! Didn't get any, but what a legend. One guy behind us was at least happy that Man U won.
Also, big up to the guy who ran onto to the pitch with the Palestine flag.
It feels like the opposite of Bairstow, where he's probably not the best number 4, but the three above him are where they need to be.
Fakhar just looked so much more adaptable. Maybe he's where he needs to be but it feels like Saim and Azam are big risks if they are going into the tournament with them in the top 6.
