England vs Pakistan 5th ODI: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

ngland have the series all wrapped up after yet another victory in the fourth ODI. But yet again, Pakistan impressed. England were made to work for their three-wicket victory, and the win was secured with only three balls to spare. The series may be lost, but Pakistan have plenty of positives to take from in the series.

At least as far as the batting is concerned. They’ve pushed England hard in three of the four completed ODIs. Only in Southampton did England have a relatively comfortable time. Three of the top five run-scorers are from Pakistan, with each of Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman scoring centuries.

The only question mark surrounding Pakistan has been in the bowling department, but even then, on pitches extremely conducive to batting, even that can’t be considered too much of a problem. In any case, the return of Shadab Khan in time for the World Cup will see significant strengthening in that department.

Similarly, England too have plenty to be confidence about. They’ve been pushed hard, but have come through each time. Their batsmen are in irrepressible form. Even Ben Stokes, who had a wretched time in the IPL, returned to runs with an unbeaten 71* in the fourth ODI. There is healthy competition among the bowlers with the inclusion of Jofra Archer. Everything’s going swimmingly.

Where does that leave this match? It’ll be the last chance for the likes of Mohammad Amir, Archer and the rest of the England line-up to press their cases for World Cup selection. Which, all considered, should make for an interesting outing, irrespective of the destination of the series.

Head to head

England have gradually improved their record against Pakistan this series, with a 3-0 lead. That means they have now won 52 of their 86 ODIs against Pakistan. In four clashes over the years at Headingley, England have won three. Their only loss came way back in 2001, when Abdul Razzaq’s 75 helped them through to victory after Waqar Younis’s 7/36 bundled England out for 156.

Key players

Joe Root (England): The last time Root played at Leeds, he scored a match-winning century against India. This series, with the openers doing much of the scoring, Root has been left without much practice. He will be hoping for a proper outing, and perhaps an encore.

Imam-ul-Haq (Pakistan): Imam-ul-Haq’s form has been terrific this series. He got hit in the elbow by Mark Wood and retired hurt rather worryingly, but it’s not thought to be serious enough. He even returned to bat later in the innings. Can he allay concerns?

Likely XIs

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c/wk), Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Junaid Khan

England: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler (c), Joe Denly, Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, David Willey, Liam Plunkett

Prediction

Pakistan to get one back for their efforts this series – 3-1.