Kevin Pietersen's second successive one-day international hundred carried England to a four-wicket win and 4-0 series whitewash of Pakistan. Pietersen (130), without an ODI century for more than three years before his unbeaten 111 three days ago, repeated the dose for a career-best in another run chase under lights. The outcome was in doubt for much longer this time, after a rare failure from Alastair Cook right away put England's pursuit of 237 all out on the back foot.
But Pietersen come out in control throughout in a 153-ball innings, which contained 12 fours and two sixes, as England got the job done with four balls to spare at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. He established a scoring rate that kept England ahead of the game, even from a precarious 68 for four after 16 overs, to the extent that Pietersen and Craig Kieswetter's fifth-wicket stand of 109 did not have to feature undue risks against Pakistan's spinners.
The whitewash, England's first against Pakistan for 25 years, was compensation of sorts for the 3-0 Test series thrashing these opponents inflicted on them here this winter. It will not be enough for a rankings rise from fifth in the International Cricket Council table. But there was still reason for satisfaction, as Pietersen and Kieswetter kept England on track after Jade Dernbach's four for 45 had helped to restrict Pakistan.
But Pietersen come out in control throughout in a 153-ball innings, which contained 12 fours and two sixes, as England got the job done with four balls to spare at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. He established a scoring rate that kept England ahead of the game, even from a precarious 68 for four after 16 overs, to the extent that Pietersen and Craig Kieswetter's fifth-wicket stand of 109 did not have to feature undue risks against Pakistan's spinners.
The whitewash, England's first against Pakistan for 25 years, was compensation of sorts for the 3-0 Test series thrashing these opponents inflicted on them here this winter. It will not be enough for a rankings rise from fifth in the International Cricket Council table. But there was still reason for satisfaction, as Pietersen and Kieswetter kept England on track after Jade Dernbach's four for 45 had helped to restrict Pakistan.
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