 Playing home series away from home, the moods have changed for Pakistan side heading
into the one-day series against England. The first of four matches starts
in Abu Dhabi tomorrow, and Pakistan are seemingly on top following their domination
over England.
After completing their first whitewash on external soil, the fans are expectant
of greater heights from the Pakistan side.
Click for Live Score Card of Pakistan Vs England
The third test match saw many records broken as the team sits in an unusually
calm scenario. They followed up the emphatic series win with a victory over neighbors
Afghanistan in a one-off ODI. And if England needed to be reminded of what awaits
them, it was Shahid Afridi's five-wicket haul after Afghanistan made an impressive
start.
England are likely to be troubled by the spin supply of Pakistan - in the form
of Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez and possibly Abdur Rehman
and Shoaib Malik. Imran Farhat stroked a half-century too and is expected
to be in the playing eleven. It remains to be seen though if Pakistan select
Adnan Akmal or give the gloves duty to part-time option, Umar Akmal.
England will be hoping for a turnaround in fortunes as they look to put behind
the shock and disappointment faced in the test matches. They won a warm-up match
against England Lions in which Lions were shot for 96 before England chased
230 in a mutually-decided target. Alastair Cook takes over the captain's role
while Kevin Pietersen is expected to partner him at the top of the innings.
Jonathan Trott scored a fluent 75 in the Lions game.
The bowlers too had a good outing, with Steve Finn and Jade Dernbach pushing
for their selection by picking three wickets apiece. Tim Bresnan, who
returned home before the first test due to injury, returns to the squad.
The match will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Younis
Khan has the most number of runs while Umar Gul has the highest tally of wickets
at this ground. The day/night match starts at 4pm local time.
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