Roy, Root notch fifties as England beat Pak in rain-hit opening ODI

England opener Jason Roy and Joe Root smashed blistering fifties to help their side claim a 44-run win by the Duckworth-Lewis method against Pakistan in the opening ODI of the five-match series here at Rose Bowl Cricket Ground.

In reply to a modest target of 261 runs, Roy (65) and Root (61) shared an 89-run partnership for the second wicket before the weather intervened the match to reduce England's target to 252 from 48 overs.

Subsequently, skipper Eoin Morgan also went on to score unbeaten 33 runs before more rain ended the match with England well ahead on the D/L method in 34.3 overs.

Earlier, England displayed a superb death bowling attack as Pakistan were restricted to 260-6 within their stipulated 50 overs, despite Azhar Ali and Sarfraz Ahmed scoring brilliant 82 and 55 respectively.

Adil Rashid scalped two wickets for the hosts while Root, Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood and Chris Woakes all chipped in with a wicket each.

Root was adjudged 'Man of the Match' for his significant contribution with the bat.

With the win, England have take 1-0 lead in the series and they will play their next match against Pakistan at Lord's on Saturday.