Six key players to look out for in the first CT Semi Final

(Web Desk) - The Pakistan Cricket Team has turned quite a few heads with their topsy-turvy performances over the past couple of weeks and has all the pundits and gurus talking before their big semi final clash against England on Cardiff today.

Pakistan will be looking to stun the people once more with their unpredictable performance in the bout today and will look to cement their place in this year’s final of the Champions Trophy that is all set to commence on Sunday.

England, on the other hand, has been by far the best team of the tournament thus far. The Englishmen will be looking to continue their unbeaten streak in the tournament by moving past Pakistan in what is labeled by some as a “mismatch”.

Since both the teams will be looking to give it their best, some players from both the teams will have a pivotal role to play today. Here we look at some of the players to watch in the first semi final of this year’s tournament.

6) Hassan Ali

By far Pakistan’s best bowler based on current form, Hassan Ali always seems to come up with the goods just at the right time for his team providing crucial breakthroughs at tough times, breaking important partnerships in the process. Prior to the start of the tournament, the 23-year-old said that he was looking to be the highest wicket-taker in the tournament and right now he seems to be on the right track having already claimed seven scalps, second only to England’s Liam Plunkett. Hassan Ali will have to be at his best against a strong looking English batting unit if Pakistan has any chance of reaching the final.

5) Eoin Morgan

Relatively young and influential captain Eoin Morgan has been a key asset for his team over the past few years and coming into the semi final, he is no less important. Extremely dangerous with the bat in the middle order and aggressive in the field as the skipper of his unit, Morgan has single-handedly dismantled the opposition at times and will be looking to do the same against Pakistan. Morgan is experienced enough to know that Pakistan can be a tough team to beat on their day so the 30-year-old will have to be extremely cautious when he martials his troops onto the field today.

4) Shoaib Malik

Another key player for the Pakistan team is their former captain, Shoaib Malik, who is yet to fire in this year’s tournament. A big innings is due from Malik who has always found a way to get dismissed after playing the first few deliveries with positive intent. Malik’s ability to rotate the strike and find the fence at the same time will be pivotal for his team, but will he be able to deliver on the big stage only remains to be seen. One thing is for sure though, if the 33-year-old gets going with the bat and in the field, the job will be a whole lot easier for Sarfraz and Co.

3) Fakhar Zaman

By far Pakistan’s best batsman thus far and a very fine find from the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Fakhar Zaman is another key asset for the men in green. His positive approach at the top of the order has been very important in both of his side’s wins that sets a solid platform for the rest of the batsmen. He will be looking to add to his scores of 31 and 50 against a quality English bowling attack. The 27-year-old will have to be very careful against the English pace-men however, as they will look to bowl a fair amount of bouncers at him; one of Fakhar’s apparent weaknesses.

2) Mark Wood

England has been known to produce quality fast bowlers over the years and it seems as though the tradition continues with England producing exceptional players like Mark Wood. Wood has been an integral part of the team over the last year and a half. He has thus far played brilliantly with the ball in hand and will be looking to do the same against Pakistan. Wood is particularly famous for breaking crucial partnerships in the middle phase of the innings; an asset that is key in modern-day Cricket.

1) Ben Stokes

One batsman Pakistan will have to get out quickly will be in form English all-rounder Ben Stokes. Stokes has been playing brilliant cricket especially with the bat and has been going through a purple patch for his team. The 26-year-old has already scored a century when he hit a career-best 102* against arch rivals Australia a few days ago. Stokes’ aggression has always provided England the platform to score big down the order. If the Englishman gets stuck at the wicket for long, Pakistan can very well say goodbye to their Champions Trophy aspirations.