Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first against England in the fourth match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday. The hosts are hoping to extend their unbeaten run and move closer to a place in the final.
Pakistan have won both of their opening matches, beating Sri Lanka by 37 runs and then England by 87 runs in Rawalpindi. England have lost their last two games, first to Pakistan and then to Sri Lanka in a high-scoring contest, and now face growing pressure to revive their campaign.
Changes to both playing XIs
Pakistan made two changes. Fast bowler Razaullah makes his one-day international debut, and all-rounder Shadab Khan returns to the side. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi confirmed the team after the toss.
Fast bowler Naseem Shah and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf were left out. Afridi said Naseem had dislocated a finger during the warm-up. England captain Harry Brook said his team would also have batted first had they won the toss.
England also made one change, with Henry Crocombe set to make his ODI debut in place of Josh Tongue. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid did not return to the team.
Pink Day campaign at Gaddafi Stadium
The Pakistan Cricket Board has dedicated the match to breast cancer awareness through its Pink Day initiative, held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The board is working with Pink Ribbon Pakistan to highlight early detection, regular screening and timely treatment.
Pakistan’s players are wearing specially designed pink kits, and pink stumps and awareness messages are visible around the ground. England players, match officials and commentators have also been invited to wear pink ribbons. Messages are being shown on stadium screens and perimeter boards, and special activities took place at the venue before the match.
The board said the campaign is part of wider efforts to use the sport’s popularity to encourage women to seek screening and medical care. It has also partnered with Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Trust Hospital in Lahore, which will offer free screening to fans on October 24 and 26.
Tri-series schedule leading to October 31 final
The tri-series features Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, with each side playing the others twice in a double round-robin format. The top two teams will qualify for the final, which is set for October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan face Sri Lanka on October 27, and Sri Lanka play England on October 29. Pakistan will be looking to build on their strong start and secure their place in the final, while England must win to keep their hopes alive.
