Summary The second ODI between Pakistan and England will be played at Lord’s today.
LONDON (Dunya News) – The second one-day international of the five-match series between Pakistan and England will be played today (Saturday) at Lord’s. The match will start at 2:30pm (PST).
After beating Pakistan convincingly in the first ODI in Southampton, it is unlikely that England will make any changes in their winning combination, despite Alex Hales lack of runs at the top of the order.
On the other hand, Pakistan will need to strengthen their bowling and that might open up a place for Yasir Shah, who took 10 wickets in the Test match at this venue. If he s included, it might come at the expense of one of the two left-arm orthodox all-rounders. Sami Aslam impressed during the Tests and he might get a look-in, at the expense of the struggling Mohammad Hafeez.
The hosts have been playing like a well-oiled machine and have few areas of concern at the moment. Jason Roy has hit an impressive patch of run scoring, while the likes of Joe Root and skipper Eoin Morgan have been consistent. Add the host of all-rounders in the middle-order, England have a batting depth that s hardly matched by any other team. Opening batsman Alex Hales hasn t found form this summer, but he s expected to be given a decent run, considering his match-winning abilities.
If the batting looks primed, the return of Mark Wood to the international fold after 10 months has beefed up the bowling attack. The pacer hit speeds in excess of 90 mph and has promised more pace as the series progresses. Giving him company in the pace department is Yorkshire s Liam Plunkett, Warwickshire s Chris Woakes and Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes. Add the spin twins - Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, the hosts have a potent yet balanced bowling line-up.
On the other hand, Pakistan have failed to find the balance between bat and ball. Sharjeel Khan, who followed his blistering 152 against Ireland with a less than impressive 16 in the first ODI, has been backed to provide explosive starts for the visitors. Azhar Ali top-scored with a 110-ball 82, but was frank in his admission that his batsmen shouldn t have played the number of dot balls they did. Mohammad Hafeez is lacking in confidence after a modest Test series while Shoaib Malik seems confused over his exact role in the side.
The 21-year old Babar Azam has been the shining light of the Pakistan middle-order in recent times, showing immense potential. While the batting looks polished without the sparkle, it s the under-par performance of the bowlers that came under scrutiny in Southampton. Mohammad Amir was listless at times, Umar Gul looked rusty and the two left-arm tweakers, Imad Wasim and Mohammad Nawaz looked average.
