Pakistan has somehow owned unpredictability tag that has kept them in the hunt unlike South Africa, which faltered against in-form India, in the make-or-break clash, as comical run-outs saw AB de Villiers crumbling under pressure, but Pakistan has pulled a victory from the jaws of visible defeat, after reeling at 161 for seven against Sri Lanka when they were chasing down below-par target of 237, in the Welsh capital Cardiff.
The mercurial Pakistan has nothing to boast about their batting line-up which didn’t look vulnerable only, but the senior batsmen have failed to anchor the innings alongside youngsters which has been the cause of the concern for the skipper and management respectively.
To set the tune for their bowlers, who helped the side in previous two games after learning a lesson from their tournament opener against arch-rivals India, where they leaked 72 runs in final four overs during the rain-affected game,
Considering the fact, the top-order line-up of Pakistan has to play a pivotal role while setting the strong foundation against a top-notch side which is bolstered by quality batsmen.
Pakistan has a history of making things difficult for them when they seemed to take full control of the game particularly in the run chase and June 12, was no different when we found dramatic collapse saw the Men in Green in all sorts of bother, before skipper Sarfraz Ahmed led from the front – to provide glimmer of a hope to the Sri Lankan fielders as well which further witnessed courage from Mohammad Amir with the bat, as both posted record 75-run eighth wicket partnership in the multilateral event.
Rushing on the adrenaline, Pakistan fans were stunned in the middle overs as the drama continue before Sarfraz and Amir turned the compulsion of the game while rotating the strike and finding the right gaps.
Overview:
Pakistan would be confident while hinging on their bowling department which has witnessed left-arm pacers Junaid Khan, Mohammad Amir finding some rhythm to be among wickets before Amir showed some prowess with the bat in the tense run chase.
Brimming with confidence, Hasan Ali, who is known for the pace and variations, improved as a bowler after being expensive against India on June 4, when he conceded 70 runs for a wicket.
It would be an interesting contest to watch out for, as Pakistan bowlers are looking to give a tough time to formidable England which has the batting depth at the helm as the side has shown remarkable return in the recent past particularly in the white-ball cricket.
The skiddy customer with the ball Ali, made a strong comeback to claim three wickets against South Afruca before bagging three crucial wickets against Sri Lanka to show the quality improvement.
However, no one has termed Pakistan favourites this time around, but the side is capable of pulling something remarkable on their day after the ordinary performance.
Talking About Strength:
After Pakistan has featured in first three matches, the only thing has been their bowling which not only brought Pakistan right into the game, but has kept the Men in Green in the hunt for the coveted trophy, even though which looks a distant dream, but not impossible for a team which could stun any team on their day following all-round breezy performance.
Pakistan management which has vowed to tap into the talent based on their performances, the side has availed the promising prospect in the side.
The left-handed batsman Fakhar Zaman, who seemed to be a clean hitter of the ball, while playing some delightful strokes in the mega event, is backing himself to play the natural game which is important for a team like Pakistan that has struggled early on, in terms of rotating the strike.
Moreover, bowling all-rounder Fahim Ashraf looked another promising prospect as he picked two wickets before displaying some aggressive brand of cricket with the bat as he scored run-a-ball 15.
However, the cause of concern for Pakistan is middle-order which crumbled under pressure against Sri Lanka and India respectively.
Coming to the conclusion, it’s highly unlikely Pakistan would make any change in the Playing XI, but there are chances; owing to the conditions while taking opposition in the view.
To strengthen the middle-order, Pakistan could field Haris Sohail at no. 4 as the management would be desperate to emerge as victorious against Three Lions which has shown promise with the bat, as bowlers also fought hard to yield the results in the favour respectively.
Imad Wasim, who struggled against Sri Lanka with the bat after going wicket-less in his eight overs, could be replaced by rookie leg-spinner Shadab Khan to add the variety by testing quality England batsmen.
Here’s the predicted XI:
Sarfraz Ahmed (Skipper/Wk), Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Shoaib Malik, Fahim Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan and Shadab Khan.