Pakistan captain Babar Azam was delighted after the hosts defeated England by three runs in a nail-biting fourth T20I at the National Stadium, Karachi on Sunday. Azam opined that the bowlers were outstanding for them as they were able to skittle out England at 163 runs while defending 166 runs.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan gave another good start to the home team as the right-handed duo added a fine alliance of 97 runs in 11.5 overs. However, Pakistan could not finish on a high as they managed only 69 runs in the next 49 deliveries as England bowlers kept them at bay.

Azam feels they were 10-15 runs short of a par score after the kind of start that they had got.

England needed four runs in the final over but Reece Topley was run out by Shan Masood on the second ball of the final over.

Babar Azam said in the post-match presentation, “The way we started with the bat, we were about 10-15 runs short. The bowlers were outstanding for us. We are trying to keep our middle order flexible and use it according to the situation. In different games, we’ve tried different combinations. He (Rauf) is our key bowler, and he is getting even better day-by-day.”

On the other hand, Haris Rauf was awarded the Player of the Match for taking three wickets. Rauf conceded only 32 runs in his quota of four overs and he was right on the money with the ball for the hosts.

Haris Rauf said in the post-match presentation, “Glad that we won the game. The only thing in my mind was that if I get him (Dawson) out, the rest are tailenders, so I knew we had a chance. Pressure will always be there in international cricket, you have to know how to handle it. I was just looking to execute my strengths.”

The series is now tied at 2-2 and the fifth T20I between these two teams will be played on Wednesday at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.