England vs Pakistan, 3rd ODI, Preview: Visitors desperate to erase the winless streak

As it turned out, only 12 runs separated England and Pakistan after a nerve-wracking run-fest at the Rose Bowl. If this was any indication as to what we can expect from the World Cup, then a lot of records are on the verge of getting smashed. Over 750 runs were scored on the other night and once again, something similar is expected as the action shifts to Bristol.

Pakistan looked solid with the bat but very pale with the ball. Fakhar Zaman trumped with a blazing century which very nearly saw the visitors chase down the total. Babar Azam and Asif Ali too got among the runs and looked confident in the middle. They need some of their senior players to step up more regularly just to ensure they can get over the line next time.

The English continue their rampant assault, making another side a mere prey to their hunger. Jos Buttler proved why he’s hailed as one of the best in the business in the current scenario and the 28-year-old looks set to play some more big knocks. Most of their batsmen got some good time in the middle, which should be a positive sign for the team.

Playing Combinations

England

Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid didn’t train in the nets and they might not be featuring in the XI on Tuesday. Joe Denly might come in place of Adil Rashid to add more strength to their batting and he can also roll his arm over when needed. All of their top five in the previous game were amongst the runs, much to the delight of Morgan. He would be expecting a much-improved bowling performance from the pace trio of Woakes, Plunkett and Willey.

Predicted XI

Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C), Jos Buttler (wk), Joe Denly, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, David Willey

Pakistan

Faheem Ashraf had a forgettable outing the other day and might be replaced by the experienced Junaid Khan. Shoaib Malik is also set for a return and might come in place of Haris Sohail. They built some good partnerships in the run chase at the top, but the middle order needs to hold their nerves a bit. Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali will form a brilliant trio with Junaid, while Imad and Yasir Shah will be the two spinning options.

Predicted XI

Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Asif Ali, Haris Sohail/ Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (C & wk), Imad Wasim, Junaid Khan/Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Yasir Shah, Shaheen Afridi

Focus will be on

Jason Roy (England)

Jason Roy fell agonizingly short of a hundred in the previous encounter between these sides and Pakistan will be wary of the threat he possesses when he’s in full flow. His 87 off 98 balls included 6 fours and 3 sixes It’s almost impossible to stop him when he’s in such touch and he is desperate to make an impact not just in this series, but also for the coming home assignment against the best in the world.

Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Babar Azam got a half-century in the second ODI and given he had stayed for another 30 minutes in the middle, things could’ve been different for both sides. He always looks very composed and comfortable in the middle, trying to make things a little more easy for the swashbuckling men like Fakhar. He did add a 135-run stand with Fakhar at Rose Bowl but got out exactly at the wrong time. He probably would be looking to finish things in style this time by staying there till the end.

Head to Head

Matches Played – 84 | England won – 50 | Pakistan won – 31 | No Result – 3

Stat Attack

17 – Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed will be completing 2,000 runs in ODIs with another 58 runs to his account.

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony Six and Sony Six HD

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

Match Timings – 17:30 IST; 13:00 local

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