Editor’s Pick: England Vs Pakistan

The semifinals are here. The first contest is England against Pakistan. While England has been on top all through the competition, Pakistan has had their ups and downs. Unpredictable. England is the only team to make it to the next round with three victories from all three matches. Being the home team does matter, doesn’t it?

England is therefore likely to have the edge over Pakistan. The fact that England has never won a trophy in a major global fifty-over tournament will make them want to try harder tomorrow. But they cannot be complacent either. Pakistan played a fantastic game in the previous match, despite the top order batsmen failing.

So, the lineup. Let’s dissect the team.

England.

They have a solid batting lineup. Sufficient all rounders. Bowling is not bad either.

Jos Buttler - He has had great support from the likes of Morgan, Stokes, Root, and Hales. With such a deep batting lineup, one needn’t worry about the runs. His average batting against Pakistan is almost 70. He’s good to go.

Alex Hales - He helped march the team into the semis. He is in good form. He is confident. He can’t wait to give it his best.

Jason Roy- Chances are he might be dropped. He has not had a great time with the bat. The fans have given him only 18% selection rate. That is not good, considering the importance of this match. Will this mean Jonny Bairstow has a chance?

Eoin Morgan - Just the name is sufficient. Add him.

Joe Root - A fantastic anchor. He is crucial to the lineup. He needs to stick around and get the runs on the board. Let’s hope he peaks when it truly matters to his team. He has an impressive

record against Pakistan as well. Pakistan knows it too.

Ben Stokes - This man is an asset to the British Batting lineup. And the tournament has yet to

see his full power. Wait and watch what he does tomorrow. Add him to your lineup for sure.

Mark Wood - He helped defeat Australia. He made the difference. This strike bowler is beaming with the confidence that his captain has shown in him. He is not to be messed with.

Liam Plunkett - He has been horrible to face at times. Will he contribute? I think so.

Jake Ball - This seamer is really good with the new ball. Pun intended. He might not have played against Pakistan before, but he’s a good bet nevertheless. He is capable of hitting the right lengths.

Adil Rashid - Spinner in form. Amongst the top wicket takers of the year. He’s in.

Pakistan

The team is as good as the start. If the opening batsmen click, the cup is theirs for sure. They rely on the confidence that the openers give them.

Fakhar Zaman - Along with Azhar Ali, Zaman can take the opponent’s bowlers apart. This will give the team the upper hand. Good call bringing him on board. If he helps Pakistan cross 300, it could end England’s winning streak.

Azhar Ali - This Southpaw is full of aggression. We have no doubts what so ever that if he clicks, the team is halfway there.

Babar Azam - Good player. Capable of chewing the opponent mercilessly.

Sarfraz Ahmed - The man of the moment. The champ behind the victory against Sri Lanka. He will have all the backing for sure. Nothing more need to be said. Add him. Don’t pause to

think.

Shoaib Malik - He might come up in the batting order. The middle order needs strengthening.

Imad Wasim - Wasim helped restrict South Africa very well. He will be what Pakistan needs to reign in the English Men.

Mohammad Hafeez - With a perfect line, his bowling has clicked very well. If he manages to retain his stump to stump tactic, he can make a big difference indeed. He’s in.

Mohammad Amir - Along with Khan and Ali, Amir forms a big part of the fearsome attack. Pacers are exploiting the English seaming conditions big time.

Junaid Khan - Convincing performances in past two matches. Good spell of fast bowling. He’s a

good bet. It is funny that his inclusion into the team happened because Riaz was ruled out. And he made the most of this opportunity.  

England has been by far the best team in the tournament. With three back to back wins, their morale is just as high. But the rush that the Pakistan team created after their stupendous victory against Sri Lanka counts for something too. All in all, it is a good match. Pick your lineup well and have a great day, on the field as well as on the app.

Good Luck.

Indu

P.S. Please note that the above-expressed opinions are purely the Editor’s. We do not take responsibility, nor can we guarantee the performance of the players. All the best !!!