Hales storm steals show in Karachi

The tourists looked calm in their successful chase in Karachi, accounting for Pakistan's 158 with victory early in the last over.

All the key talking points from the first T20I.

Alex Hales' storming return

Just days ago it looked as if Alex Hales would forever be on the England outer, but three years on from his last appearance in England colours, the opener could well be a key player in their campaign in Australia next month.

Hales gave Pakistan bowlers headaches, setting up England’s chase with a ninth T20I fifty, making 53 (40) with seven boundaries. The opener moved the side to 47/1 from the Powerplay with Phil Salt (10) and Dawid Malan (20), and pushed along all the way until the 17th over, where he eventually fell to Haris Rauf.

Replacing Jonny Bairstow in the T20 World Cup squad after his freak injury, Hales, who boasts extensive domestic experience in Australia, now should lead England's tournament charge opening the batting.

Pakistan’s openers reliable, though late-over batting needs to improve

The score splits of Pakistan’s innings will not be pleasant reading for their fans, desperate to see questions answered at the backend.

At 87/1 at the halfway mark, the platform was set for a total of 175 or more, only for a second half of 71/6, limping to 158.

The side scored just 38 in the final five overs, with the loss of Mohammad Rizwan (68 off 46 balls) in the 15th over preventing a late onslaught.

Iftikhar Ahmed (28 off 17 balls) tried his utmost, though couldn't find a partner to join him, as Shan Masood (7), Mohammad Nawaz (4) and Khushdil Shah (5) failed to make headway.

Asif Ali's heroics at last year's T20 World Cup are fresh in the memory, though it remains unclear who will be trusted at the death in next month's tournament.

Harry Brook the finisher?

Playing his fifth T20I, Harry Brook enjoyed his best outing so far in English colours, making an unbeaten 42* from 25 balls, and steering his side home in the final over.

Brook looked arguably the most comfortable of the English batters on the Karachi surface, hitting seven boundaries, the last of which sealing the game.

The No.5 joined Hales with England needing eight runs per over, and showed maturity that belied both his age and experience, dragging the required rate down gradually in a well-calculated chase.