ICC World Cup 2023, ENG vs PAK | Five Player Battles to Watch Out For

image-losnirelEngland and Pakistan will lock horns in Kolkata. (AP)

In the penultimate league-stage clash of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, England and Pakistan are set to face off, each with its unique motivations and challenges. England, having been eliminated from the semi-final race, now aims for a top-eight finish to secure a spot in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The recent win against the Netherlands has elevated England to the seventh spot, intensifying their focus on maintaining and improving their Net Run Rate (NRR) currently standing at -0.885.

The significance of this final league match for England is underscored by the opportunity to secure a place in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Despite the tougher contest ahead, England is expected to bring forth another top-notch performance, driven by the desire to leave a lasting mark in the tournament.

On the other side, Pakistan, keeping their semi-final hopes alive with aggressive batting against New Zealand, faces the challenge of sharpening their bowling to outplay a resurgent England. The vulnerability of Pakistan's bowlers, evident in conceding 400 runs in the last game, is a concern they must address, especially considering England's growing confidence and aggressive batting approach.

Practically out of the semi-final contention, the Men in Green are left with the daunting task of beating England by an unthinkable margin. Despite the label of a "dead rubber" game, both teams are poised to give their all, seeking a victorious farewell to the tournament. This game is anticipated to be a thrilling contest, offering a fitting end to their World Cup journey.

Now, let's delve into the player battles that are expected to take center stage in Kolkata.

Fakhar Zaman vs Chris Woakes

image-losnkz7lFakhar Zaman. (AFP)

Fakhar Zaman, making a resurgence after being dropped earlier in the tournament, showcased his prowess with a remarkable hundred against New Zealand. With 219 runs in three innings, including a best of 126*, Fakhar has become a formidable force. To counter his ability to hit big shots, England may deploy Chris Woakes, who boasts a decent record against the Pakistani opener, having dismissed him three times in five innings. However, Fakhar's impressive strike rate of 132 against Woakes adds an intriguing dynamic to this battle, setting the tone for a potentially game-changing showdown.

Jonny Bairstow vs Shaheen Shah Afridi

image-losnlpnxShaheen Shah Afridi. (AP)

Bairstow's struggle throughout the tournament has had a notable impact on England's performance. Having played eight innings and scored only 156, Bairstow faces the challenge of finding his form against the left-arm seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi. Afridi, with 16 wickets in eight games, has been instrumental in leading Pakistan's bowling attack. While Bairstow has a relatively successful record against Afridi, scoring at a strike rate of 164, current form favors Afridi in this critical battle that could sway the game's outcome.

Dawid Malan vs Hasan Ali

image-losnn3daDawid Malan. (AP)

Dawid Malan emerges as England's standout batter in the 2023 World Cup, amassing 373 runs, including a century against Bangladesh. However, his record against Hasan Ali suggests a potential vulnerability, having scored only 17 runs in three innings with two dismissals. Malan's struggles against a specific line, as exploited by bowlers like Matt Henry and Angelo Mathews, highlight a potential plan for Hasan Ali to exploit. This battle presents a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to dismiss Malan early and disrupt England's batting rhythm.

Babar Azam vs Adil Rashid

image-losno33pBabar Azam. (AFP)

Babar Azam, Pakistan's linchpin in batting, faces a challenge against the crafty Adil Rashid, who has been England's standout bowler in the tournament with 13 scalps. Babar's susceptibility against spinners, particularly to incoming deliveries, opens the door for Rashid to exploit this weakness. With a past record of 144 runs against Rashid in 10 innings, including three dismissals, Babar's battle against Rashid's googly becomes a pivotal aspect of the game, influencing Pakistan's innings stability.

Jos Buttler vs Mohammad Wasim Jr

image-losnoyayJos Buttler. (AP)

England's captain, Jos Buttler, grappling with poor form, encounters the in-form Mohammad Wasim Jr, Pakistan's standout bowler in recent matches. With only 111 runs at an average of 13.87 in the tournament, Buttler faces the challenge of countering Wasim's reverse swing expertise. Wasim's ability to take wickets, evident in his eight scalps in three matches, adds a significant threat. In this battle of contrasting forms, Buttler will need to navigate the challenge posed by Wasim to contribute significantly to England's batting lineup.