Cricket

Defending T20 World Cup champions England showcased their dominance with a resounding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their final warm-up match at The Oval. The triumph capped off a 2-0 series win for England, who will now turn their attention to the upcoming global tournament.Pakistan's innings got off to a promising start, with openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan putting on a 59-run partnership. However, England's bowlers, led by leg-spinner Adil Rashid, applied pressure and triggered a collapse. Rashid claimed two crucial wickets, while Jofra Archer and Mark Wood also chipped in with key dismissals. Pakistan was eventually restricted to a modest 157.England's chase was a clinical display of batting prowess. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, who was captaining the side in place of the rested Eoin Morgan, put on a blistering 82-run opening partnership in just seven overs. Salt departed for 45, but Buttler continued his impressive form, scoring 39 before being dismissed.Harry Brook, who has been in excellent touch for England in recent matches, provided the finishing touches with a six off Haris Rauf. England reached their target with more than three overs to spare, securing a comprehensive victory.Rashid was named player of the match for his economical spell of 2 for 27. Buttler praised his team's performance, highlighting the hard work and positive atmosphere within the squad. He also acknowledged the experience of his players, many of whom have featured in the Indian Premier League.England will now head to Barbados for their T20 World Cup opener against Scotland on June 4. Pakistan, the 2009 champions, will face co-hosts the United States in Dallas two days later.

Adil Rashid, England's star leg-spinner, exudes confidence as the team gears up for the T20 World Cup in June. Rashid believes that England possesses the "mindset of champions" and has drawn a line under their disappointing performance at the 50-over World Cup last year.Rashid emphasizes that the 50-over format is vastly different from T20 cricket, and England's struggles in the former should not be a cause for concern. He highlights the team's current status as T20 world champions and their belief in their abilities."We've got the team, we've got the mindset, we've got the players, we've got the experience," Rashid said. "If we go out there having the same belief, I think we'll - hopefully - go all the way."England's white-ball coach, Matthew Mott, echoes Rashid's sentiments. Mott believes that the team has a strong squad and is confident in their ability to win the tournament. He also suggests that captain Jos Buttler will rely more on intuition and less on data-driven decision-making during the World Cup.Rashid believes that this approach will allow England to play with greater freedom and express themselves on the field. He emphasizes that T20 cricket requires spontaneity and a willingness to take risks.England will announce a provisional squad for the tournament early next week. Rashid, who has not played competitively since February, will have a short build-up to the World Cup, with England scheduled to play four T20Is against Pakistan in late May.Rashid's comments come as the ECB launches a national tape-ball competition as part of its "core cities" program. Rashid believes that the competition can provide a legitimate talent pathway for aspiring cricketers."Haris Rauf came in bowling quick with a tape ball, and next thing you know, he is playing for Pakistan and [in the] PSL," Rashid said. "These things can happen. If you see somebody with an X-factor with a tape ball, but he's actually bowling rockets and then you give him a cricket ball and you can do something similar, then you can fast-track them."