Curran shines before rain ruins T20 opener

There was electricity in the air at Old Trafford — not just from the anticipation of England’s return to T20 action, but from the grey, brooding clouds that hung ominously over Manchester all evening. The excitement was palpable, the stands packed, and the fans ready to see England’s white-ball stars back in action.

For a while, it looked like Sam Curran was going to give them exactly that. The left-arm all-rounder turned in a superb performance with both bat and ball, reminding everyone why he’s one of the most valuable players in England’s T20 setup. But just as the game seemed to be setting up for a thrilling finale, the weather intervened — and refused to let go.

By the end of the night, only frustration remained. England’s strong start, Pakistan’s fightback, and Curran’s stellar display all washed away under the Manchester drizzle, leaving both sides with more questions than answers ahead of the second match.

England’s Strong Start

Jos Buttler, leading the side after a busy summer, had made no secret of England’s intent to build momentum heading into the winter’s T20 calendar. Winning the toss and choosing to bat first was a clear statement — this was about setting the tone, dictating the pace, and testing Pakistan’s bowlers early.

The pitch, though greenish, looked solid enough for batting, and England’s openers came out swinging. Phil Salt, fresh from a blistering Hundred campaign, began with intent, cracking boundaries off Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.

But it was Sam Curran, promoted up the order to number four, who stole the spotlight. Walking in after England lost two quick wickets, he played with the kind of authority and fluency that has defined his white-ball career.

Mixing controlled aggression with smart placement, Curran reached a run-a-ball 30 before accelerating with back-to-back sixes off spinner Shadab Khan. His calculated risk-taking helped England recover from a shaky 45 for 3 to a promising 90 for 3 before the first interruption arrived.

Curran’s Confidence and Class

Curran’s innings might have been short-lived — he finished unbeaten on 38 off 24 balls when the rain first arrived — but it was packed with intent and clarity. His knock balanced the flamboyance of a T20 specialist with the composure of a seasoned international.

The left-hander has increasingly become England’s glue in limited-overs cricket: adaptable, fearless, and dependable. His willingness to bat in any position, bowl in any phase, and lead when required has made him indispensable.

After his batting cameo, Curran carried his momentum into the bowling attack. When play briefly resumed after the first delay, he struck in his very first over — a classic left-armer’s dismissal as he swung one back into Babar Azam, trapping the Pakistani captain LBW for 7.

Moments like that, short-lived as they were, underlined why England value him so highly. With the new ball or at the death, Curran’s blend of swing and control gives the team balance that few modern all-rounders can replicate.

Pakistan’s Grit Before the Downpour

Pakistan, to their credit, showed glimpses of resilience. After losing Babar early, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman steadied the innings with some aggressive stroke play. Rizwan’s crisp timing and Fakhar’s power-hitting momentarily shifted the pressure back on England.

Adil Rashid, however, kept things tight, extracting surprising grip and drift from a damp surface. England’s spinners seemed poised to exploit Pakistan’s middle order — until the skies darkened once more.

What began as a light drizzle quickly turned into a steady downpour. Fans huddled under umbrellas, ground staff rushed with covers, and players could only watch as puddles began to form near the square.

Every time the rain eased, there was hope — but each inspection ended the same way. The match was finally abandoned without a result, with Pakistan 51 for 1 after 6.2 overs.

A Familiar Frustration

For fans and players alike, it was a frustratingly familiar story. English summers have often played host to thrilling cricket — but also to the whims of unpredictable weather.

Buttler, speaking after the abandonment, admitted the timing was unfortunate:

“We were building a really good game there. Sam was outstanding with both bat and ball, and it’s a shame we couldn’t see it through. But that’s England for you — sometimes, the weather wins.”

The result — or lack thereof — means both teams will head into the second T20 still searching for rhythm. For England, there are positives: Curran’s form, Rashid’s control, and glimpses of Salt’s aggression. For Pakistan, Rizwan’s fluency and Fakhar’s power suggest the top order remains a strength.

Looking Ahead

The washout will have disrupted both teams’ plans, especially with the T20 World Cup on the horizon. England’s management had intended to test different batting combinations and assess their bowling options under pressure. The rain robbed them of those opportunities.

Yet, there’s optimism. With the next game scheduled at Edgbaston — where conditions are expected to be clearer — both sides will look to reset.

For Buttler’s men, consistency will be key. England’s T20 side has been inconsistent since their 2022 World Cup triumph, alternating between brilliance and mediocrity. The challenge is not just tactical but mental — rediscovering the hunger and fluidity that made them champions.

Pakistan, meanwhile, will be equally determined. Babar’s side has often struggled with middle-over stability, and the abandoned game offered no clarity on that front. Still, the bowlers — particularly Shaheen and Rauf — looked sharp early on, and that bodes well for the series.

Curran’s Continuing Rise

If there’s one undeniable takeaway, it’s Sam Curran’s growing stature. Whether as a finisher, new-ball bowler, or emotional anchor, he continues to thrive in pressure moments. His adaptability has made him one of England’s most trusted modern all-rounders, and his leadership qualities are becoming increasingly evident.

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