ABU DHABI: A concerted bowling effort led to an unbeaten half-century by opener Asa Tribin as England Lions cruised to a 9-wicket win in the first ODI of the five-match series against Pakistan Shaheens.
Batting first, the Shaheens managed to score 152 runs in 38.3 overs.
The right-handed batsman struggled for the Shaheens, scoring a 57-ball 44 with three fours and a six.
Apart from him, fellow middle-order batsman Saad Khan (21), wicket-keeper batsman Saad Baig and captain Shamil Hussain, 18 each, were notable run-scorers for the Shaheens.
Calvin Harrison conceded just 37 runs in his 10 overs with 3 wickets for the England Lions, followed by Sonny Baker and James Coles with two wickets each and Matthew Potts, Eddie Jack and Matthew Revis taking a scalp each.
For his economical bowling, Harrison was adjudged man of the match.
In turn, the English Lions made it easy for the 153-run target thanks to a combined effort from their top order.
Right-handed opener Tribe top-scored for Shaheens with an unbeaten 52 off 64 balls with 6 fours.
The Tribe were supported by fellow opener Ben McKinney, who fell to Subian Mukeem after scoring 42 off 41 balls with five fours and two sixes, while James Reve made an unbeaten 48 off 41 balls with 8 fours.
England Lions won by nine wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, with the second ODI at the same venue on Sunday.