Alastair Cook made back-to-back centuries

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England Captain Alastair Cook saw England to victory with another century against Pakistan in the 2nd ODI in Abu Dhabi.

Captain Cook has now made back-to-back centuries, including a brilliant 137 in the first ODI and a thrilling 102 in this one.

He said: “It was a slightly different wicket to one two days ago. It was slightly slower and a bit harder to time the ball.”

England, who batted first, were looking in good form, but the failure of the top order batsmen, with the exception of Ravi Bopara, who scored 58, left England with a score of 250 to defend.

The tourists, however, would have been disappointed with the total because at one stage a score of 280 or even 300 was possible.

Captain Cook was satisfied with the team total, but thought a higher score was on the cards. “We thought around 250-260 would be a really hard total to chase down” he said.

Aizaz Cheema was the only Pakistan bowler to claim two wickets as England lost four wickets en route to their 250.

With 251 being the target needed for victory, Pakistan started off well with a 61 run opening partnership, however with regular strikes by the England bowlers the total looked more and more out of Pakistan’s reach.

Opener Imran Farhat and Captain Misbah-ul-Haq were the top scorers, with both of them making 47.

Steven Finn was definitely the shining star of the England bowlers, as he nabbed four wickets once again.

Captian ul-Haq was extremely disheartened by the loss. “The guys played well at top but again we keep losing wickets at the wrong times. You can’t expect the tail to come in and get the runs against a quality bowling side.”

Cook is now looking to seal the series when the two sides meet again in Dubai on the 18th of February. “It’s nice go 2-0 up in the series and hopefully we can finish it in Dubai” he said.