Shadab returns, Razaullah makes debut as Pakistan elect to field in tri-series match against England

Pakistan won the toss and elected to field against England in the One-day International tri-series match at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Sunday, with all-rounder Shadab Khan returning to the side and Razaullah making his debut.

Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi confirmed two changes to the Pakistan side, with Shadab coming in after missing the first two matches of the tri-series.

Razaullah also earned his maiden ODI appearance, while Naseem Shah, who dislocated his finger during the warm-up, and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf made way.

As a part of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s breast cancer awareness initiative, the national side’s players will wear pink kits during the match.

Shaheen said Pakistan had included an extra spinner in Shadab for the contest as they look to strengthen their position in the tournament.

England also made two changes, with debutant Henry Crocombe replacing Josh Tongue, while Adil Rashid continued to sit out.

Pakistan, who have won both their matches in the tri-series, need another victory to secure their place in the Oct 31 final.

England, meanwhile, have lost both their previous games and face the prospect of an early exit if they suffer another defeat.

The visitors come into the match after a dramatic two-wicket loss to Sri Lanka despite piling up 429-4 in their previous outing in Rawalpindi.

England had appeared in control after posting the massive total but failed to defend it.

Ahead of the match, Shaheen had said Pakistan would aim to restrict England to around 250-260 rather than be distracted by their opponents’ ability to post huge scores.

Pakistan have successfully defended totals of 305 and 302 in their opening two matches despite challenging conditions for bowlers in Rawalpindi.

England all-rounder Will Jacks, however, insisted his team remained confident despite the back-to-back defeats, saying the side were determined to win their remaining matches and keep their hopes alive.

The tri-series also features Sri Lanka, who have won one of their two matches.

Teams:

Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Razaullah, Haris Rauf.

England: Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jordan Cox (wicket-keeper), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Gus Atkinson, Henry Crocombe.