Pakistan and England cricket teams are facing off each other in the first ODI of the four-match series at Sheikh Zayed Staudim, Abu Dhabi today
A big announcement came earlier today as Pakistan’s leading run scorer of Test matches Younis Khan has officially said good-bye to ODI cricket after this match.
Match Day – First ODI #PAKvENG #DreamGreen pic.twitter.com/GVMMcx3EIx
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) November 11, 2015
The morale of Pakistani camp is high after having won the test series that will give them psychological edge over their opponents. However, currently ranked at number 8, Pakistan seeks improvement in ODI ranking to directly qualify for the ICC World Cup 2019 and despite their good performance in UAE in tests, green shirts have lost last eight out of ten ODI series they played here.
England Team
JJ Roy, AD Hales, JE Root, EJG Morgan*, JWA Taylor, JC Buttler†, MM Ali, CR Woakes, AU Rashid, DJ Willey, RJW Topley
Pakistan Team
Azhar Ali*, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed†, Anwar Ali, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan
Last time in 2012, Pakistan had to face a humiliating defeat against England in ODI series by 4-0 on the same venues and skipper Azhar Ali is determined for the better result this time.
MATCH SUMMARY
HIGHLIGHTS
Hafeez’s ton (102*) and Babar Azam’s (62*) guided Pakistan to a six-wicket comprehensive victory with 6.2 overs to spare. The centurion Hafeez was awarded Man of the Match award.
Malik gone on 26, but Hafeez (72*) is still on crease heading to a century, Pak 136-4 after 29 overs
Picture of the Day-Younis Khan (The Legend)
Younis Khan departed after adding just 9 runs in his last ODI innings. Pakistan Cricket will miss him.
Pakistan also lost both openers Azhar ALi and Bilal Asif in no time (15-2 in 3.2 overs), and Younis Khan who is playing his last ODI, is on the crease with Mohamamad Hafeez.
England got all out on 216 and set an easy target to chase for Pakistan, Irfan was the most successful bowler with 35/3 in his ten overs.
Irfan takes his second wicket, a soft dismissal of Adil Rashid Eng 180/8
Wickets falling in quick succession, Babar Azam just caught a stunner to sent Moeen Ali back to the pavilion. (161-7)
Another set batsmen Taylor also got dismissed, nice catch by Azhar Ali
New man in Jos Buttler got run out on Azhar Ali’s throw
Pakistan gets rid of dangerous looking Eoin Morgan.
Morgan pacing up momentum nicely, Taylor supporting the skipper from the other end.
Pakistan got three early wickets within first four overs (14/3 in 3.1 overs) but England controlled the damage, Captain Morgan leading from the front.
Memorable Moment: Younis Khan received guard of honor by teammates on playing his last ODI game.
