England beat Pakistan to round off the warm-ups

World Cup Warm-up Matches: England v Pakistan, Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium, Fatullah, 18 February 2011

England gained good practice to finalize their line-up and strategy for the World Cup by toppling Pakistan in the last of the warm-up matches. Pakistan who played with a view to try their plan B, could not match England in both batting and bowling.

Misbah-ul-Haq, who captained as Afridi was rested, opted to field first. Shoaib and newbie Junaid Khan started well and each got one wicket to remove Strauss and Trott. Pietersen and Ian Bell took the score to 117 through some solid batting. Pakistan spinners looked good but not threatening which is not a good omen for Pakistan. England through noteworthy contributions from their middle order posted a good total of 273 as they were all out in the last over. Pietersen and Collingwood made 66 and 65 runs respectively. For Pakistan, Junaid bagged 3 wickets for 44 runs in 8 overs and put his name forward for selection in the main matches. Wahab also took 3 while Ajmal got 2 wickets. Shoaib once again proved expensive as he gave away 62 runs for his solitary scalp in full quota of overs. He will struggle to get into Pakistan’s first eleven.

Pakistan started the chase badly as they lost 3 wickets with just 34 on the board. Akmal brothers and Hafeez went cheaply again. Thankfully for Pakistan Younis Khan came back in form. He batted fluently but did not get any support apart from Ahmed Shehzad who came in to bat at number 6. Shehzad could get only 26 leaving the job to Misbah who too could not go on for a big score after getting a start. As the wickets fell at regular intervals, Pakistan had no momentum in the innings and hence had no chance of coming back into the game at any stage. Younis was the top scorer for his 80 off 101 including 8 fours and a six. Pakistan were all out for 206 in the 47th over losing the match by 67 runs. Broad was the main destroyer with his second 5-for in as many practice matches while Collingwood also took 3 wickets.

This loss may not worry Pakistan too much as they would think they have got a bad performance out of their way. But still they missed out on an important part of the game i.e. momentum. England on the other hand will be happy that Pietersen has settled into his new role as opener and Broad is in supreme form. The confidence which was shaken in Australia is slowly returning back.