Pakistan crash to massive defeat

LONDON (AFP) - England booked their place in the second round Super Eights of the ICC World Twenty20 with a 48-run win over Pakistan at the Oval here on Sunday.
The hosts, 48 hours after their shock four-wicket loss to the Netherlands, bounced back to record a win which, because their net run-rate was now superior to that of the Dutch, ensured their progress in the tournament.
Pakistan, finalists at the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa two years ago, now face a make or break Group B clash against the Netherlands at Lord's on Tuesday.
Kevin Pietersen came back from an Achilles injury to lead England to a total of 185 for five with 58 after missing Friday's Dutch debacle at Lord's.
"It was a huge match," Pietersen told Sky Sports. "If we didn't win we were out and that is not nice.
"It was a huge evening - I was desperate to play, I've never had an injury that has kept me out which has been hard to deal with.
"I reckon I'm about 70 percent fit. Hopefully that is the last of it now because I just love playing."
England captain Paul Collingwood told reporters: "It was exactly what we needed. I think we showed a lot of character.
"Friday night was a massive blow for us. We were under a lot of pressure to put in a good performance but this showed how much we wanted it."
Collingwood, who said Pietersen had been passed fit on Sunday morning, added: "He was desperate to play and he made a huge impact."
All-rounder Collingwood, asked how England could play so poorly against the Dutch and yet win so well against Pakistan, added: "I wish I knew the reasons, I'm still convinced Friday night was just meant to happen.
"But today we got it 100 percent right. It was do or die and we delivered."