After a disappointing batting performance against Pakistan in the first one-day international, England's top order has to deliver in the second ODI at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday. Pakistan, on the other hand, were solid in all departments of the game, which helped the men in green take a 1-0 lead in the four-match ODI series.
Pakistan have been in good ODI form of late, as they defeated Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in the last two series and the hosts will now be keen to win their third straight series. England have defeated New Zealand and lost to Australia in their last two limited-overs series. The English team will want to avoid back-to-back series defeats and, therefore, it is imperative for them to win the second ODI.
Compared to their much-established Test side, England represent a young and an inexperienced team in the ODI series, which includes bowlers such as David Willey and Reece Topley, who have played seven and two ODI matches respectively.
These players need to adapt quickly and help their team turn triumphant. Paul Farbrace, England's assistant coach, believes the youngsters need to grab the chance and help their team emerge victorious.
"We have a group that need to learn quickly. We've said many times it's not about developing - we can't keep talking about that - it's about winning. That's the bottom line. It's up to the guys here to show they deserve to be in the side, for the long term, take the opportunities - but win at the same time," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Farbrace as saying.
Topley did come up with a good bowling performance in the first ODI, as he troubled the Pakistan batsmen, picking up three wickets. Captain Eoin Morgan will look for a similar performance from the bowler in the second ODI as well.
Pakistan are set to make some team changes following the sudden retirement of Younis Khan, who has been replaced by Iftikhar Ahmed. It remains to be seen whether Pakistan will once again open with Bilal Asif, as he is capable of playing in the middle order as well. If Asif is moved into the middle order, Pakistan skipper, Azhar Ali could open alongside Mohammad Hafeez, who scored a match-winning hundred in the first ODI.
Pakistan also have a potent bowling lineup, with Mohammad Irfan and Wahab Riaz the fast bowlers and Yasir Shah the key spinner. If the trio fires in the second ODI, the England batsmen could be in for another long day.
Where to watch live
Pakistan vs England 2nd ODI match is scheduled for a 3pm local time (4:30pm IST, 11am GMT, 4pm PKT) start with live coverage in India on Ten Cricket. The live streaming option will be available on Tensports.com.
Pakistan cricket fans can enjoy the Pakistan vs England 2nd ODI match live on PTV with the option of watching it online on PTV Online.
Viewers in the UK can enjoy the entire Pakistan vs England 2nd ODI match live action on Sky Sports 2/HD, with live streaming on Sky Go.
Viewers in the US can watch Pakistan vs England second ODI live on Willow TV and stream the game on Willow TV Online.
