Roy, Root shine in England victory

New York, August 25

England opener Jason Roy and Joe Root smashed blistering fifties to help their side claim a 44-run win via Duckworth-Lewis method against Pakistan in the opening ODI of the five-match series at Rose Bowl Cricket Ground.

In reply to a modest target of 261 runs, Roy (65) and Root (61) shared an 89-run partnership for the second wicket before bad weather set England a target of 252 from 48 overs.

Subsequently, skipper Eoin Morgan also went on to score unbeaten 33 runs before more rain ended the match with England well ahead on the D/L method in 34.3 overs. 

Earlier, England displayed a superb death bowling attack as Pakistan were restricted to 260/6 within their stipulated 50 overs, despite Azhar Ali and Sarfraz Ahmed scoring brilliant 82 and 55 respectively.

Adil Rashid scalped two wickets for the hosts. 

Brief scores: Pakistan 260/6 (Azhar 82, Sarfraz 55); England 194/3 (Roy 65, Root 61);  — Agencies