England v Pakistan, 2006

At Nottingham, September 8 (day/night). England won by eight wickets. Toss: Pakistan. One-day international debut: M. H. Yardy.

England's first one-day win of the season against senior opposition was as unexpected as it was convincing. At last they managed the significant partnership they so badly needed, when Strauss and the blossoming Bell put on 110 for the second wicket, and Pietersen hit the winning runs with 22 balls to spare. Earlier, Lewis took two more cheap top-order wickets, and Michael Yardy bowled flat and quick left-arm spin reminiscent in effect, if not action, of a darts player peppering the treble 20. Yardy claimed three wickets on debut, including the notable scalp of Mohammad Yousuf. At 138 for seven, Pakistan seemed unlikely to reach 200. But Abdul Razzaq's magnificent clean hitting came to the rescue, and helped them take 58 off the last three overs: the 49th, by Mahmood, went for 26, including four leg-byes, and Lewis had his figures spoiled by Razzaq's assault, which brought him five sixes and five fours.

Man of the Match: I. R. Bell.