'Match of the Year 2021': Fans on Twitter cannot keep calm as Pakistan edge England in thriller to win first T20I

433 runs and 40 overs later, it was Pakistan that eventually England by 31 runs at Trent Bridge and sent the world of Twitter into a frenzy.

433 runs in 40 overs. The first T20I between England and Pakistan turned out to be one of the most entertaining T20 matches of the year. A run-fest laced with sixes and fours, it was the visiting side that eventually emerged triumphant by 31 runs at Trent Bridge and sent the world of Twitter into a frenzy.

The world of Twitter erupted after Pakistan defeated England in a high-scoring first T20I at Trent Bridge. (TWITTER/ICC)

It was all the more important for Pakistan, who were thrashed 3-0 by a second-string England side in the recently-concluded ODI series. They received heavy backlash from the fans and former cricketers, who did not mince their words in calling out the squad for a disappointing show. However, and to the credit of the side, they bounced back in stellar fashion to win a thriller.

Pakistan posted 232/6 in their 20 overs, registering their highest T20I score. In response, Liam Livingstone smashed the faster T20I hundred by an English batsman but failed to take his team over the line.

Here's how Twitter reacted to the much-needed win for Pakistan:

England's regulars returned from quarantine after a second-string squad swept the one-day international series 3-0, with Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow and Tom Curran back in the team and Eoin Morgan leading the side.

Morgan won the toss and chose to bowl first but the move backfired as Pakistan capitalised on the short boundaries, smashing 20 fours and 12 sixes to post 232-6 -- their highest total in T20 internationals.

In response, England were bowled out for 201.

Seamer Shaheen Afridi (3-30) struck early to dismiss Dawid Malan, diving forward on his follow-through to have the opener caught and bowled, before he had Bairstow caught off a top edge to leave England two down in the fourth over.

Pakistan's poor fielding was a major talking point in the final ODI but they turned up on the night, taking difficult catches in the deep and even inflicting a run out with a direct hit.