Do-or-Die for Pakistan as England stand in the way
After a week-long break, Pakistan are all set to take on four-time champions England on Wednesday in Colombo. It was a much-needed hiatus for Pakistan to regroup, rethink, and restrategise after starting their World Cup campaign with three straight losses.
Pakistan went down to India and Australia — results that were almost expected — but the defeat at the hands of Bangladesh would have been a tough pill to swallow for fans of Pakistan cricket.
Looking ahead, Pakistan have another four matches to make their mark, and every game from here on is a virtual knockout. They will face a team they have never beaten in the history of women’s ODI cricket. Pakistan will need something miraculous to upset the strong English unit. If Sidra Amin bats deep and big, Muneeba Ali justifies her potential at the top of the order, captain Fatima Sana contributes with a quick cameo and early wickets, and Nashra Sandhu spins a web around the England batters — who knows, Pakistan might just get the better of their opposition.
England, on the other hand, have looked more solid with the return of former captain Heather Knight, who was sidelined for quite some time due to injury. They were merciless against South Africa and relentless against Sri Lanka. Their only tough outing so far came against Bangladesh. England might not have expected to be at the receiving end of the Bangla Tigresses roar, and it was in that match that Knight brought all her experience into play.
While the points table may show that England have hardly put a foot wrong in this competition, they know they are heavily reliant on captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and Knight with the bat. Openers Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont, apart from the first match, have not provided good starts, and the lower middle order — featuring Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey — is yet to fire.
However, the bowling attack, led by world No. 1 ODI bowler Sophie Ecclestone, has not let them down. They have consistently bundled out opponents well inside 50 overs.
A win for England against Pakistan will take them one step closer to a semi-final spot. Conversely, for Pakistan, it is a fight for survival — a fourth defeat could mean curtains for their World Cup campaign.
Head-to-Head
Overall: England – 13, Pakistan – 0
At World Cups: England – 4, Pakistan – 0
Nat Sciver-Brunt: The England captain is fresh off a century against Sri Lanka, at the same venue, where she will take on Pakistan next. She is absolute gold dust, given her ability to contribute with the ball as well.
Sophie Ecclestone: The 6-foot-tall left-arm spinner is one tough nut to crack for any opposition.
Sidra Amin: Pakistan’s most experienced batter needs to anchor the innings and guide her team’s batting.
Nashra Sandhu: Left-arm spinners have enjoyed success in this World Cup so far, and this Pakistani tweaker can make the most of the spin-friendly conditions.
Match details
Time: 3:00 PM
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo