International limited-overs cricket will return to Lord’s for the first time since 2019 as England go up against Pakistan on 10 July, in the second ODI of the three-match series. The ‘Home of Cricket’ has been allowed to fill full capacity, for the first time since 2019, under the UK government’s Event Research Programme (ERP).
The newly formed 18-member England squad, led by Ben Stokes, was not permitted to share the same room after the original squad was forced into Covid-19 isolation a day before the first ODI against Pakistan. Still, they pulled off a nine-wicket victory. Saqib Mahmood tore the Pakistani top order apart, which included Babar Azam for nought.
Mahmood, who finished with 4-42, was ably assisted by Craig Overton (2-23) and Matthew Parkinson (2-28), to bowl Pakistan out for just 141 in 35.2 overs. Barring Fakhar Zaman (47) and Shadab Khan (30), no Pakistani batter scored in excess of 20.
England included five debutants in the line-up, their least experienced side to play an ODI game over 36 Years. Among them, only Phil Salt failed to make an impact. He fell for seven to Shaheen Shah Afridi (1-22). Eventually, it was the only success for Pakistan in that contest.
Dawid Malan (68* in 69) and Zak Crawley (58* in 50), primary contenders for England’s No. 3 role in their upcoming five-match Test series against India, guided England to chase down the target in just 21.5 overs.
England may give Salt and Brydon Carse another chance. In fact, they are likely to field the same playing XI, considering many of them did not need to bat in their last outing. Pakistan, however, may bring Mohammad Hasnain for Hasan Ali. The latter conceded 33 in his four overs.
Pakistan were undoubtedly sloppy in the first game. They lost several wickets to false shots. Their bowlers put on an equally ordinary show. But they do have the calibre to level the series here. As Michael Vaughan rightly mentioned, their Men’s team is probably the most unpredictable side in world cricket.
Head to Head
England have played Pakistan 89 times. They have won 54 and lost 32. The two sides have met 20 times in England. Both have got 10 wins each.
Probable XIs
England: Phil Salt, Dawid Malan, Zak Crawley, James Vince, Ben Stokes (c), John Simpson (wk), Lewis Gregory, Craig Overton, Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, Matt Parkinson
Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Sohaib Maqsood, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf
Prediction
Pakistan to win the contest and level the series.