CARDIFF, United Kingdom: With huge disappointment and frustration among Pakistani viewers, Pakistan will be engaged in last encounter with England as part of five-match one day international (ODI) series at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Sunday.
England have already won the series 4-1 against Pakistan which continue to justify their ninth ranking in ODIs with their low standard performance in the format.
For the first time in ODI series, Pakistan to some extent seemed dominating England in a match at Headingley on September 01 when the Host had lost 4 wickets for 72 in response to Pakistan’s 247 runs. However, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow proved their worth and led their side to an easy four-wicket win at the end.
Not only Pakistan’s poor performance in all departments have been causing serious concerns in 50-over game since months but fitness issues are not the different as well. Muhammad Irfan, who was recalled as replacement of injured Muhammad Hafeez and picked up two early wickets in fourth ODI, could not complete his 10 overs quota after suffering cramps in his fifth over.
However, Pakistan’s bowling coach Azhar Mahmood is hopeful of good show by Pakistan in next games.
“Everyone makes mistakes, as long as you learn from them. You have to be positive, what happened in the past you can’t change it,” Azhar Mahmood was quoted as saying by espncricinfo.com
Since Muhammad Irfan has returned Pakistan after he received injury in last match, Muhammad Amir is most likely to place him in fifth ODI.
Pakistan fifth ODI Squad (Possible)
Sami Aslam, Sharjeel Khan, Azhar Ali (Captain), Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed (Wicket Keeper), Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Umar Gul, Muhammad Amir
England fifth ODI Squad (Possible)
Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (Captain), Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (Wicket Keeper), Moeen Ali, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan, Liam Plunkett
The fifth ODI may well be the last match of Azhar Ali as Pakistan’s Captain.
