Shoaib leaves England reeling

LONDON, Sep 2 (Reuters) A superb display of fast bowling from Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif helped Pakistan to bowl out England for just 166 in the second one-day international at Lord's today.

In a match reduced to 40 overs a side because of rain, Pakistan require 167 at a rate of just over fours runs per over to take a lead in the five-match series.

The first match was abandoned due to persistent rain.

England's total was boosted by a seventh-wicket stand of 53 between top-scorer Rikki Clarke (39) and Chris Read (30) from just 57 deliveries.

A rejuvenated Shoaib, who made his comeback this week after a six-month layoff with knee and ankle injuries, looked refreshed and full of energy as he captured 4-28.

In dull and bowler-friendly conditions, Andrew Strauss departed for a duck in the first over after edging a stinging Shoaib delivery to the wicketkeeper.

England lost their next two wickets in the space of four balls with just 18 runs on the scoreboard.

Marcus Trescothick edged Asif to Younis Khan at a wide second slip for six and Ian Bell perished for nine.

Bell played a loose shot to a wide but fast Shoaib delivery and was caught by Inzamam-ul-Haq at first slip for nine.

England's highest-ranked one-day batsman Kevin Pietersen continued his run of low scores when he fell playing a typically exuberant shot off Asif to Rana Naved at third man for 17.

His departure left England reeling on 44 for four before Clarke and Read offered some hope.

All-rounder Clarke, trying to establish himself in the one-day team with a crowded itinerary approaching, faced 47 balls and struck three fours.

Asif bowled his eight overs consecutively at the start of the innings and claimed two wickets for 10 runs in an economical spell that pegged England back.

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