Pakistan vs England Preview

Mohit Singh, February 20 2012,

Pakistan will hope for a turnaround as they take on England in the fourth and the final ODI of the series.

A century in the previous game helped the side

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In a stark contrast from the Test series, Pakistan have been comprehensively outplayed in the one-day series, arguably against all expectations as well. With the series already decided, the only stake left is to avoid a whitewash when they clash with England in the final one-dayer on Tuesday.

Misbah ul Haq expressed his disappointment at the result, saying he did not expect the tide to turn around completely following the test series triumph. That quite effectively sums up the mindset that has cost Pakistan the series – a lack of plan, and a hope that England will give in to spin just as they did in the test series.

In the absence of the usual brilliance from the bowlers, the fragilities in batting have bee hugely exposed and hurt Pakistan badly. Umar Akmal and Shahid Afridi scored half-centuries to pull out the team from yet another embarrassing hole.

With nothing to lose, changes are expected to be rung for the final ODI. Umar Gul may be rested to give an opportunity to Junaid Khan. Wahab Riaz may also get a game at the expense of Aizaz Cheema. In the batting order, Umar Akmal could see a move upwards while Imran Farhat is holding on to his lifeline it seems.

For England, three wins in a row in Asia could only have been a dream. But they have realized that dream and will be hoping to carry the momentum to finish off the series on a high. Steven Finn continues to be the chief tormentor with 11 wickets.

Alastair Cook’s tally of 319 runs has been the mainstay of their batting while Kevin Pietersen also made a much-welcome return to form with an unbeaten century. The team is not expected to make any changes, as they strive to carry the winning momentum forward.

With the rubber rendered dead and match scheduled for a weekday, the crowd expected to show at the ground is expected to be on the lower side for the day/night fixture in Dubai.