The Pakistan cricket team will take on England in their final league-stage match of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. They are mathematically alive in the race for the semi-finals. However, they need to win by about 288 runs margin against England to go ahead of New Zealand on Net Run Rate and qualify for the knockouts round. Pakistan is currently fifth on the points table with four wins from eight matches.
On the other hand, England is seventh on the table with two wins from eight matches. They are at risk of losing a place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. They need a win to ensure they qualify for the tournament. All-in-all, the upcoming match is expected to be an interesting game. Let’s take a look at the three-player battles for the Pakistan vs England match.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Key Player Battles for PAK vs ENG
Babar Azam vs Adil Rashid
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam will be up against Adil Rashid in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The spinner has dismissed Babar thrice in One-Day Internationals, conceding 144 runs at a strike rate of 107.4. The Pakistan batter has also slammed six fours and as many boundaries against him. In the ongoing tournament, Babar has scored 282 runs in eight matches, while Adil has taken 13 wickets.
Fakhar Zaman vs Chris Woakes
Fakhar Zaman slammed a great century against New Zealand in the recent match. He scored 126 runs off 81 deliveries, with eight boundaries and 11 sixes. He powered Pakistan to a great win by 21 runs on D/Ls. The Pakistan batter will be facing Chris Woakes, who has a great record against him. Zaman has been dismissed thrice in five ODI matches. He has scored 63 runs at a strike rate of 134. Woakes has taken nine wickets in the tournament so far.
Jos Buttler vs Shaheen Afridi
England skipper Jos Buttler will be disappointed with his form in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. He has scored just 111 runs in eight matches at an average of 13.87. He will be keen to make an impact in England’s final match of the World Cup. Buttler will be facing Shaheen Afridi, who has been in good form in the tournament. He has taken 16 wickets in eight matches so far, including a five-wicket haul.
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