Moeen Ali bemoaned England’s game management following Wednesday’s fifth T20 defeat by Pakistan, insisting they must learn when to check their attacking instincts ahead of next month’s World Cup.
A fine bowling performance saw Pakistan skittled for 145 in 19 overs as the seven-game series moved to Lahore, Mark Wood again impressing with three wickets on his second outing since returning from injury.
However, England fell six runs short of their target, despite Moeen finishing unbeaten on 51 as some careless top-order batting left the tourists with too much to do.
The defeat sees Pakistan take a 3-2 series lead and is the second time in as many matches England — renowned chasers — have faltered in pursuit of a modest total.
“Of all the games so far, this was the most disappointing, the way we batted in particular,” Moeen, stand-in skipper in Jos Buttler’s absence, said.
“Obviously, I’m disappointed. We’re a better team than that. You have to see the situation of the game, and the conditions. All we needed was one partnership, a 60-70 run partnership would have won the game.
“We want to play this brand that is attacking but you also have to see the situation of the game and the conditions, things like that.”
Openers Phil Salt and Alex Hales, in a race to partner Buttler at the top of the order when the World Cup begins in Australia, both failed again, falling for single-figure scores inside the powerplay, while the in-form pair of Ben Duckett and Harry Brook made only 10 and four, respectively.
Better news for England was a positive update from Buttler on his rehabilitation after a calf injury, with the captain claiming he would be ready to play if the World Cup were starting today.
“I am progressing well,” he said. “We are just taking a cautious approach.”
