England's second string spring a surprise

Craig Kieswetter made the strongest case yet for promotion to England's senior side as his confident 81 led the Lions to a five-wicket win over Andy Flower's first XI in a Twenty20 warm-up in Abu Dhabi.

South Africa-born wicketkeeper Kieswetter, on his first day as an England-qualified player, continued his impressive form on tour with a boundary-strewn 66-ball knock as the shadow side chased down 158 to win on the final ball.

Michael Lumb hit successive boundaries at the death to secure the result while Adil Rashid, left out of the full squad after a disappointing time in South Africa, also caught the eye with three wickets for 22 runs in the first innings.

By the time 10 overs had gone, the Lions were fully in control on 81 without loss.

Lumb had made 40 when he retired, led from the pitch clutching his face after being struck on the helmet by Stuart Broad.

Kieswetter pressed on past 50, striking a second muscular six on the way. Andrew Gale (two), Ian Bell (one) and Michael Carberry (eight) all failed to stick with Kieswetter as the first XI hit back, leaving Lumb to return to the crease and with 14 needed to win off the final over, he saw them home with aplomb.

England started poorly after winning the toss, Denly departing meekly in the first over at the hands of Steven Finn and Jonathan Trott started slowly but just appeared to find his feet before top-edging Steve Kirby behind for 24.

Rashid removed Paul Collingwood for one in his second over and as Kevin Pietersen looked to break the shackles by hitting Rashid back over his head for four, he mistimed a lofted drive to hand Woakes a third catch in the deep.

Rashid was enjoying himself now and trapped Eoin Morgan lbw two balls later and it was only Luke Wright's aggressive hitting, including two sixes, that helped England to 45 off the final three overs and past the 150 mark.