MANCHESTER, Aug 29: Tom Banton�s explosive 71 off 42 balls proved to be in vain for England as the first Twenty20 international against Pakistan was abandoned as a no result because of rain in Manchester.
The opener smashed four fours and five sixes in an entertaining knock featuring lusty hitting and unorthodox scoops, helping England score 131-6 in 16.1 overs before it started to rain at Old Trafford on Friday.
Pakistan never got to bat in what would have ended up being an unsatisfactory five-over match, with the groundstaff unable to get the wet outfield in a fit state to play.
England will be concerned that Banton�s departure sparked the loss of four wickets for 14 runs in 19 balls before the stoppage. � AP
