England thrash Pakistan

SOUTHAMPTON, England (AP):

Eoin Morgan's unbeaten century for England ensured Pakistan ended their controversial tour on a low as the hosts won by 121 runs yesterday at The Rose Bowl in the fifth and deciding one-day international.

Pakistan, seeking consolation from a trip that will be best remembered for corruption allegations and off-field issues, were bowled out under the lights for 135 in 37 overs, chasing 257 for victory, to lose an ill-tempered series 3-2. Pakistan also lost the Test series 3-1 and the Twenty20 series 2-0.

Pakistan crashed from 63 without loss to 104-6 and failed to recover thereafter, as off-spinner Graeme Swann led the way with figures of 3-26 in nine overs.

Morgan earlier scored an unbeaten 107 off 101 deliveries and helped take 19 runs from the 50th over for his second unbeaten hundred on the ground this year after his match-winning 103 against Australia. Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar impressed with 3-40 from his 10 overs.

Many distractions

"It's been difficult, there's been a lot of distractions around, especially in the last two games," Morgan said. "Today showed how focused we were and how determined we were to win the series and finish the summer on a high."

England captain Andrew Strauss added: "Having been 2-0 up in the series and cosy about things, it's a bit of a shock to the system to suddenly be 2-2 - specially given what went on over the last week. So we had to switch on pretty quickly and make sure we came out in exactly the right sort of mindset today."

The result brings to an end a troubled tour for Pakistan, who will fly home today.

"I was thinking about some happy ending but it's not happened," Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said. "Every day there has been some controversies on this tour but I'm very happy in this situation that the team was very united and we played as a team.

"Maybe it will give us a good result in the future. Our unity is the one positive thing I am taking from the UK."

Three of Pakistan's players were suspended by the International Cricket Council on corruption charges earlier this month. The ill feeling progressed further when Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt alleged on Sunday that England lost Friday's third one-day international at The Oval on purpose. England's players were incensed by the slur and are considering legal action.