Eoin hits world champs for six
EOIN Morgan was in record-breaking form for England's cricketers as they made a winning start to their Twenty20 series against world champions Pakistan last Friday. The Rush left-hander played the starring role as he and Kevin Pietersen put on England's best-ever stand in that form of cricket – 112 for the fourth wicket.
Pakistan looked to be heading for a win when they had their opponents at 18-3, but then the two big hitters came in and Morgan led the way with 67 not out off 51 balls, including a mighty pulled six which was the shot that clinched victory.
However, Pakistan got their revenge in the second game of the series on Saturday, winning by four wickets as Morgan was caught in the deep for nine from six balls. The Irishman also took three catches in the Pakistan innings, but it proved not enough.
Royal Challengers Bangalore will have been watching the series with interest, having signed up Morgan for e154,000 to play for them in their Premier League during March and April. Meanwhile, North County's John Mooney and Andre Botha can look forward to the ICC World Twenty20 Championship in the Caribbean, which starts on April 30th, after Ireland were grouped with England and hosts West Indies.
Ireland and Afghanistan were the final two of the 12 teams to qualify for the tournament after coming through their semi-final matches in the qualifying tournament in Dubai earlier this month.
- Marcus CAVAROLI
