Kolkata: Pakistan’s World Cup semi-final qualification chances took a major hit after England won the toss and decided to bat first during the match in Kolkata on Saturday.
Holders England have already been eliminated, while 1992 champions Pakistan are only mathematically alive in the race for a semi-final place in the showpiece event.
Pakistan’s qualification scenario:
If score is 50 — Pakistan need to chase in 2 overs
If score is 100 — Pakistan need to chase in 2.5 overs
If score is 150 — Pakistan need to chase in 3.4 overs
If score is 200 — Pakistan need to chase in 4.3 overs
If score is 300 — Pakistan need to chase in 6.1 overs
This is the final group match for both sides at the 50-overs World Cup at the Eden Gardens.
“Nice to break a losing streak, want to leave India with our heads held high,” Buttler said referring to their win against the Netherlands in their previous match.
England are unchanged but Pakistan brought in spin all-rounder Shadab Khan for seamer Hasan Ali.
“We are looking forward to Fakhar’s innings, we are enjoying his batting,” said Pakistan captain Babar Azam, referring to opener Fakhar Zaman’s form.
“We will try our best, and let’s see.”
India, South Africa, and Australia have made the semi-finals, while New Zealand are likely to join them in the last four.
Teams:
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim
England: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (captain), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, David Willey, Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid
