England kept themselves afloat in the ICC World T20 Championship after humbling Pakistan by 48 runs in their must-win match.

England’s chances to make the super-eight stage were hanging by a thread after suffering a humiliating defeat against the Netherlands in their opening match on Friday.

Facing early elimination from the home event, England top-order responded to the SOS call by superb batting as the hosts reached challenging 185 for 5 after sent in to bat at The Oval on Sunday.

Kevin Pietersen made a timely return to the side with a masterly 58 and was well supported by Luke Wright (34) and Owais Shah (33).

The hosts, riding on a spirited attack, then restricted the Pakistanis to 137 for seven in their 20 overs.

Feeling the pressure of chasing a huge total, Pakistan never recovered from a top-order collapse though skipper Younus Khan held one end with a defiant unbeaten 46.

Stuart Broad (3/17) did the early damage by dismissing Kamral Akmal and Salman Butt (28) on consecutive balls in the sixth over after Dimitri Mascarenhas had got rid off Ahmad Shahzad (4).

Younus Khan and Shoaib Malik (20) put some resistance and revived the innings with a 46-run partnership but the required run-rate soared over 12 runs per over.

Once Malik was caught behind off Wright, Younus was left stranded as his teammates came and departed in a hurry.

Luke Wright was adjudged Man-of-the-Match for his all-round show. He took one wicket after making 34 off 16 balls in England innings.

Pakistan now must win their next match against the Netherlands on Tuesday to qualify for the next stage.

Earlier, Pietersen and Wright shared a 53-run stand for the second wicket after the early loss of Ravi Bopara (5). Pietersen then added 66 for the third wicket Owais Shah.Wright was tested by the young paceman but the Briton responded with stunning hits in his next over. He first lofted him for a four, then pulled him for a mid-wicket six and followed it with a four in the third man region.

Wright was in murderous mood as he hit Yasir Arafat for consecutive fours and then Pietersen closed the over with a massive six over the sight screen

For Pakistan Umar Gul (2/37) and Ajmal (2/23) did well but could not restrict England from making an imposing total.

Pakistan’s buttered-fingered fielders only helped the cause of England as they dropped catches, missed run out opportunities and gave away easy runs.