England batsman Liam Livingstone was on fire in Nottingham smashing the fastest T20I century by an Englishman but couldn’t save his side from the hands of defeat in the first T20I against Pakistan.
Livingstone came into the crease with England 48 for 3 in a chase of 233 set by Pakistan riding on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s brilliant opening wicket stand. Liam Livingstone got a life in the fourth ball but nailed the next two balls for four and six through square leg.
And since then there was no stopping him. Babar brought Shadab Khan into the attack, who had enjoyed some success against Livingstone in their PSL meeting but Livingstone was in a party mood. He smacked a couple in the next few overs up to bring up England’s fastest T20I fifty off 17 balls.
That was something else…@liaml4893, take a bow 🙌
Scorecard/clips: https://t.co/pmRWQnkYRg
🏴 #ENGvPAK 🇵🇰 @IGcom pic.twitter.com/Irkr9V8Qnz
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 16, 2021
Liam Livingstone impresses with fine century ahead of T20 World Cup
The Lancashire cricketer slowed down the tempo in the next few balls as Pakistan seamers found the reverse swing. But he was back hitting Mohammad Hasnain through midwicket. From 70 off 30 balls, Liam Livingstone dispatched a couple of next balls to bring a 42-ball hundred.
However, he got out one ball later with England still needing 50 off 22 deliveries. Although he failed to his side home as the host fell short by 31 runs, but it was not the night for Liam Livingstone to regret. His stocks have gone high since 2017 and this knock has put him in the fray for the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, the groups of which was announced on July 16 (Friday).
Meanwhile, the social media buzz was on an all-time high with praises pouring in for Liam Livingstone in numbers.
Here are some reactions:
Honestly,,,,that was phenomenal from Liam Livingstone. If that is the future of T20 batting,,,,we are in for a treat.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) July 16, 2021
First time ever Pakistan bowlers have conceded a century in T20Is. Liam Livingstone 100 off 42 balls . #EngvPak
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) July 16, 2021
This has been a special knock from Liam Livingstone. He's singlehandedly kept England in this match and registered his first international hundred. What an innings
Seat on the plane to the T20 World Cup boooked ✅ #ENGvPAK
— Rob Johnston (@RobJ_Cricket) July 16, 2021
https://twitter.com/rajdeep189/status/1416153524354826246?s=20
Absolutely sensational 💯, @liaml4893 , 42 balls, quickest ever England T20 💯, amazing striking!!! #batsmanscurrency #blonde #striking #cumbria 💥💥💥💥💥🏴🏴🏴 🌹🌹🌹 pic.twitter.com/mZYqDeOJTt
— Neil Fairbrother (@Harv366) July 16, 2021
This guy is madness. #LiamLivingstone #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/HbClFMA49O
— Kaushik (@CricKaushik_) July 16, 2021
One hell of an innings!
Liam Livingstone, thank you for making my Friday night.
Thank you!#ENGvPAK
— Farzan Patel (@TheTipsyParsi) July 16, 2021
What a Fighting innings played Liam Livingstone. He scored 103 runs from 43 balls including 6 Fours and 9 Sixes against Pakistan in 1st T20I match. Top Class innings from Liam Livingstone. #ENGvsPAK pic.twitter.com/YJg82OoIPb
— CRIC____MASTERS (@TasawarRao3) July 16, 2021
