Pakistan chase 274 against England

FATAULLAH: Kevin Pietersen thrived in his new position as opener, hitting a blistering 66 off 78 balls as England renewed their rivalry with Pakistan in a World Cup warm-up on Friday.

Pietersen hit three fours and a six before he was stumped by Kamran Akmal off slow left-armer Abdur Rehman in the 26th over.

England went on to make 273 all out with Paul Collingwood making a timely 65 after a recent poor run of form.

However, captain Andrew Strauss lasted just 11 balls for his five runs before he was clean-bowled by Shoaib Akhtar.

Veteran Akhtar, who was fined by officials on Wednesday for a late night out, finished with figures of one for 62 off his 10 overs which will not help his chances of playing in Pakistan’s World Cup opener against Kenya on Tuesday.

This is the first clash between the two teams since last year’s series in England that was over-shadowed by ‘spot fixing’ allegations which led to lengthy bans for Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir.

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