Sussex’s Liam O’Brien impresses on England debut

Sussex’s Liam O’Brien scored a half-century and then starred with the ball as England started off their Vitality IT20 Physical Disability Tri-Series campaign with a victory and a loss on a high-scoring day at Barnards Green Cricket Club on Sunday.

The side bounced back from losing to Pakistan by 78 runs in the opening game to beat Bangladesh by eight wickets and stay in contention to reach the Tri-Series Final on Wednesday.

Bangladesh amassed 195-4 in the second game of the day after opting to bat first. Javed Vuian made 62 despite having a spell off the pitch recovering from cramp while keeper Shaharia Shamim struck an unbeaten 56. Debutant O'Brien was the pick of the bowlers with 2-31.

A rapid 57 from 25 balls by Liam Thomas got England off to a flier in reply. Fellow opener Alex Hammond (81*) anchored the innings as England chased down the total with 15 balls to spare. 

Earlier, England lost to a rampant Pakistan side by 78 runs. Debutant Muhammad Shahbaz smashed 121 from only 69 balls as Pakistan made 224-4 after being put in by England. Hammond took 2-34 with his off-spin including picking up two wickets in two balls. Iain Nairn’s side could only muster 146 all out in reply despite a quick-fire 60 from O’Brien. 

England  have been taking on Bangladesh again today (Monday), this time at Kidderminster CC.