Pakistan lost the first Twenty20 international by five wickets after being held to just 126 at Cardiff's Sophia Gardens ground here on Sunday. But England collapsed from 42 for one to 62 for five, with leg-spinning all-rounder Afridi taking two wickets. Pakistan should have had a sixth wicket when Morgan, on 13, reverse-swept Afridi only for Shoaib Akhtar to drop the simple chance at short third man.

Former Ireland left-hander Morgan went on to make 38 not out and shared a stand of 67 with Michael Yardy, unbeaten on 35, that saw England to victory with 17 balls to spare. Afridi, speaking to reporters here on Monday, said Morgan was the main man in England's batting order in the absence of the dropped Kevin Pietersen.