ODI World Cup 2023: England vs Pakistan, Match 44 - Top player battles to watch out for

England and Pakistan will clash in their final league-stage match of the ICC World Cup 2023 on November 11, 2023. This encounter will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and has value for both teams.

Mathematically, Pakistan is still in the race for the semi-finals but they need to bat first and then defeat England by 320 runs or more to better their net run rate than New Zealand. If they are asked to chase, then it's game over for them.

On the other hand, England need a win here to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 to be played in Pakistan. The top 7 teams in this CWC 2023 and hosts Pakistan will play the 8-team event early in 2025. India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have already qualified. 

England is placed in the 7^th spot at the moment and a win over Pakistan will confirm their spot in the ICC event in Pakistan. For this to happen their players will have to take on the best from the Pakistani squad.

Pakistan and England share a great rivalry and their players have often clashed on the field in the play. With this in mind, here are some player battles to look out for.

Here are three player battles to watch out for in the England vs Pakistan contest:

1. Fakhar Zaman vs Chris Woakes

Fakhar Zaman made an immediate impact for Pakistan on being called up to play as he stroked a scintillating hundred in the New Zealand game. Fakhar has 219 runs in 3 innings with a best of 126* at a strike rate of 128.82. He will be the player to watch out for in Pakistan camp.

To counter Fakhar’s ability to hit big shots, England could employ Chris Woakes, who has a decent enough record against the Pakistani opener. He has dismissed Fakhar thrice in 5 innings while giving away 63 runs. However, Fakhar has scored at a strike rate of 132 against Woakes. This will be a battle for ages in the England v Pakistan game.

2. Babar Azam vs. Adil Rashid

One of the biggest disappointments for Pakistan has been captain Babar Azam’s poor form in the World Cup. He has 282 runs at an average of over 40 but hasn’t dominated any bowling attack. He has also been troubled by pace at times and hasn’t got fluency against spin as well.

England might cleverly use Adil Rashid to their advantage against Babar. Rashid has been the best England bowler with 13 scalps at an economy of 5.13. Babar Azam has a weakness against spinners and Jos Buttler might use this to his advantage despite Babar scoring 144 runs vs. Rashid in 10 innings in 134 balls and being dismissed 3 times.

Also see: Babar Azam's ODI Stats

3. Dawid Malan vs. Hassan Ali

Hassan Ali might be off-colour in this World Cup 2023, having picked 9 wickets in 6 matches. He was a replacement for a more potent Naseem Shah in this World Cup 2023. But he has one weapon up his sleeve which is his record against in-form England opener Dawid Malan.

Dawid Malan has been a relief for England as he is their highest run-getter with 373 runs with one century and two fifties in this World Cup 2023. He is one batter that can prove to be a huge trouble for Pakistan as they would prefer to end their World Cup tournament with a win.

But Malan’s record against Hassan Ali begs to differ. He has scored just 17 runs in 3 innings with two dismissals. Malan has hit just 3 fours against Ali and averages just 8.50. This record might prompt Pakistan to include Hassan Ali in their XI and ensure he gets Malan out early.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023