(UTV|COLOMBO) – England survived a scare to win the fourth one-day international against Pakistan by three wickets and wrap up the series with a game to spare.
Jason Roy’s century had the home side coasting their chase of 341, only for his dismissal to spark a collapse of four wickets for 15 runs.
But Ben Stokes made 71 not out and Tom Curran, who should have been run out on seven, 31 to get the hosts over the line with three balls to spare.
In perfect batting conditions on the Trent Bridge ground where England have racked up the two highest ODI totals of all time, Pakistan posted 340-7.
Babar Azam’s controlled 115 was the mainstay yet, even with England missing suspended captain Eoin Morgan and rested opener Jonny Bairstow, the visitors’ total did not feel like it should have posed a challenge.
That England were ultimately tested can only be good for their World Cup preparations and winning with a much-changed side – Chris Woakes, David Willey and Liam Plunkett were also rested – further demonstrates the depth of their squad.
England take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, which concludes at Headingley on Sunday.
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