LAHORE: England Lions continued their dominance over Pakistan Shaheens when they defeated the hosts by nine wickets in the first 50-over match in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

Put into bat, the Shaheens were sent packing for 152 in 38.3 overs, with Abdul Samad scoring 44 and Saad Khan contributing 21. For the Lions, Calvin Harrison was the pick of the bowlers with three for 37, while James Coles and Sonny Baker grabbed two wickets apiece.

In turn, the Lions raced to victory in just 24.2 overs for the loss of only one wicket. Ben McKinney departed after a brisk 42 (41b, 5×4, 2×6), but Asa Tribe remained unbeaten on 52 from 64 balls with six fours, while James Rew was 48 not out off 41 balls with eight fours.

The England Lions had earlier swept the three-match T20 series. The second 50-over match of the five-game series will be played on 1 March.

Scores in brief:

1st 50-over match – England Lions beat Pakistan Shaheens by nine wickets

Pakistan Shaheens: 152 all-out, 38.3 overs (Abdul Samad 44, Saad Khan 21, Shamyl Hussain 18, Saad Baig 18; Calvin Harrison 3-37, James Coles 2-25, Sonny Baker 2-29)

England Lions: 154-1, 24.2 overs (Asa Tribe 52 not out, James Rew 48 not out, Ben McKinney 42)