CARDIFF, Wales (AP) Pakistan's tour of England went from bad to worse after losing by five wickets in the first of two Twenty20 internationals on Sunday as new fixing allegations were reported in the British media.
Led by Eoin Morgan's 38 not out and Michael Yardy's unbeaten 35, England reached 129-5 with 17 balls remaining after Pakistan had been restricted to 126-5 at Sophia Gardens.
The match at least turned the focus back to cricket after corruption allegations implicating Pakistan players had dominated the global media for the past eight days.
"After what has been going on for a week or 10 days, it's been very difficult. But it's my job and the coach's job to lift the morale and keep the guys in high spirits," Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said.