Pakistan have kept the same playing XI for their second match of the ODI tri-series, while England won the toss and chose to bowl at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. England captain Harry Brook pointed to the possibility of dew under the lights as a factor in his decision.
Pakistan opened the tournament with a 37-run win over Sri Lanka. England have made two changes, bringing in leg-spinner Adil Rashid for Liam Dawson and recalling Sam Curran. The fixture is also notable because it is the first ODI between Pakistan and England on Pakistani soil in 21 years.
Brook and Shaheen Afridi weigh up dew and form
After winning the toss, Brook said dew might play a part that evening and that England had to be ready from the first ball. He added that the depth of England’s white-ball cricket had given the team confidence going into the match.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said his side would concentrate on bowling in the right areas and building partnerships with the ball. Reflecting on the opening win, he said: “We played 50-60% in our batting, but that game [against Sri Lanka] will give us confidence.” He also said Pakistan’s experienced players were finding their best form at the right time.
Salman Ali Agha’s century powers opening win
Pakistan posted 305 in 49.5 overs in their first match on Sunday and bowled Sri Lanka out for 268 in 48.1 overs. Salman Ali Agha was the standout batter, scoring 107 off 90 balls with 10 fours and a six. Shaheen said the innings would boost the batter’s confidence.
Babar Azam contributed 45, while debutant Saad Baig made 39. Shaheen led the bowling with three wickets for 55 runs in 10 overs, and Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf each took two wickets. The result gave Pakistan an early lift in a tournament that also features England and Sri Lanka.
Rawalpindi pitch and what comes next
The pitch at Rawalpindi appeared hard and compact, in line with Pakistan’s preference for quicker surfaces as they prepare for next year’s World Cup in South Africa. The surface was last used during the T20I series against Sri Lanka, when the visitors chased down a target of 168.
Dew could affect the grip and movement of the ball as the evening progresses, and conditions may shape how both teams approach their bowling in each innings. The tri-series will continue in Rawalpindi before moving to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The final is scheduled for October 31, with the top two teams from the initial stage qualifying.
