In response, England lost wickets cheaply and they found themselves 118 for four when Ben Stokes was dismissed. Jos Buttler (103) and Joe Root (107) then put together a brilliant partnership, as they each made fine centuries to haul their team back into the contest.
However, Pakistan held their nerve late on, with the wicket of Buttler swinging the clash back in their favour. England eventually limped to 324 for nine. Having lost their last 11 games in a row in one-day international cricket—including their opener at the World Cup to the West Indies—it was imperative Pakistan delivered a performance in Nottingham.
From the off, there was intent with the bat, as they put on an opening partnership of 82. Partnerships of 88 and 80 then put them to within touching distance of the 300-mark, meaning England were always going to have a big chase on.
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