Pakistan thrashed by England in first ODI

LOUTH: England overwhelmed Pakistan in the first of two ODIs, with Jenny Gunn's five-for backing up half-centuries from Charlotte Edwards and Arran Brindle in a 111-run win here on Monday.

Edwards and Brindle put on a century opening stand and although England's total wasn't intimidating, Pakistan slid from a promising 101 for two to 116 all out in ten painful overs.

The key wicket was that of Javeria Khan, whose composed 39 had anchored Pakistan's chase. Javeria and Nahida Khan opened with a 58-run partnership and she added another 37 for the third wicket with Bismah Maroof before becoming the first of Gunn's victims. Wicketless in her opening spell, Gunn returned to take five for four in 21 balls and torpedo Pakistan's chances.

There were wickets for four other bowlers, including the debutante Natalie Sciver, as eight of Pakistan's batsmen failed to get into double figures.

England's innings also tailed away slightly, after Edwards' departure with the score on 140 for one. Lydia Greenway hustled an unbeaten 38 from 29 balls to lift England to a solid 227 for seven while Sadia Yousef was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, taking three for 33.

England take a 1-0 lead, with the second match to be played on Wednesday.