A major Covid outbreak forced England to play 5 debutants in the 1st ODI vs Pakistan in Cardiff but the inexperience couldn't stop the hosts from thrashing Pakistan. After being asked to bat first, the confident Pakistani team was rattled by Saqib Mahmood who returned to the English ODI unit after almost a year. Mahmood made early inroads and finished with fantastic figures of 4 for 42 as Pakistan were bowled out for a mere 141. Captain Babar Azam was gone for a duck as only 5 batters managed double-digit scores. In reply, the hosts cruised home to a comfortable 9 wicket win with 169 balls remaining in their quota of 50 overs. England thus took a 1-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series as the 2nd game will be played at the Lord's on Saturday.