England guaranteed at least a share of their ODI series with Pakistan on Tuesday when they won the third match of the series and on Friday they will look to secure a series win in the final match between the two sides.
Pakistan know they are now in must win territory to get a half out of the series and give themselves some momentum going into the three match T20 series which gets underway next week so both have plenty to play for.
Pakistan’s performance in the third ODI was pure Pakistan particularly with the bat. There were batsmen giving their wickets away and then a series of comical run outs in an effort which wouldn’t have looked out of place at school level.
Since their struggle with the bat in the first game England have looked stronger and stronger and even now they still look like they have more to give even allowing for the fact they have won the last two matches with ease.
It remains to be seen what changes Pakistan make as they look to rescue the series but if he is fit you would think Yasir Shah would be straight back in. It is their batting they need to beef up though and surely Ahmed Shehzad can’t keep being omitted.
There have been many encouraging aspects to England’s last two performances but perhaps the biggest thing of all was the return to form of Jos Buttler in the last match. That gives England some real depth with the bat. England’s control with the ball has been impressive too.
This final match of the series takes place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This ground is relatively new and will be staging just its 18th ODI in this match. Pakistan have played 14 matches on this ground winning six and losing eight. England played here twice in 2012 and won on both occasions.
This isn’t a high scoring ground and with big boundaries we shouldn’t expect a flurry of fours and sixes so this could be quite a battle of attrition so it might play in England’s hands that they are the ones with momentum and high spirits.
I think England will get it done in this match. Pakistan have got worse as the series have gone along while England are getting better with each performance. The fact that Buttler is back in form is a big positive and with the batting depth England have I think they can win a third straight match.
Pakistan have to do something different with the bat to compete here and I would be surprised if that doesn’t involve bringing Ahmed Shehzad into the side. Shehzad has a good record on this ground. He averages 55 with a century and two 50s in five knocks so he will feel comfortable in these surroundings.
It isn’t certain that he’ll play but if he does there might not be a lot to beat in this Pakistan line up so the 9/2 on the opener top scoring could be worth a go here.
Back England to beat Pakistan for a 5/10 stake at 1.80 with Paddy Power
Back A.Shehzad Top Pakistan Batsman for a 2/10 stake at 5.50 with Betfred
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