Pakistan beat England: Here are the key takeaways
1992 champions Pakistan came up with a remarkable all-round performance to tame hosts England in match number six of the ICC World Cup 2019 at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Monday. This win also ended Pakistan's 11-match losing streak, while England lost an ODI chasing at home for the first time since September 2015. Meanwhile, let us have a look at the key takeaways.
Pakistan openers show great temperament
The job of the opening pair is to lay a strong foundation. While the Pakistan openers failed to do so in the last tie against the Windies, they displayed great temperament to put up a commendable 82-run stand. This, in turn, helped Pakistan to post a big total, as it allowed the incoming batsmen to play their natural game.
Babar Azam's form a positive sign for Pakistan
Top-order batsman Babar Azam is a rare talent. And tonight, he started attacking the English bowlers from the word go. His solid 66-ball 63-run knock was laced with four boundaries and a single six. No doubt, this innings will boost his confidence in the matches ahead and immensely help Pakistan.
England did not utilize short ball tactic properly
England made a great start to the World Cup by winning their opening game against South Africa. In that game, they troubled the Proteas batsmen using short balls. However, despite having the likes of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, they did not properly utilize the short ball tactic against Pakistan tonight. Failure to rattle the batsmen was one of the reasons behind England's defeat.
Are English openers vulnerable to spin?
For two matches in a row, England's opposition has opened the bowling attack with spin. Notably, they have been successful in getting an opener out on both these occasions. While Jonny Bairstow was the victim of South Africa's Imran Tahir, Pakistan's Shadab Khan got rid of Jason Roy in this tie. Are English openers vulnerable to spin?
Wahab Riaz leaking too many runs despite claiming wickets
Wahab's selection in the World Cup squad came as a surprise to many. While he had troubled the batsmen in 2015, former coach Mickey Arthur stated he is not the same anymore. Interestingly, this World Cup we have seen him claiming the crucial wickets but he is leaking runs. If he can bowl tightly, Riaz can become Pakistan's most potent weapon.
Jos Buttler key to England World Cup success?
Till now, England have had a productive good World Cup campaign. While they did lose this tie, the commendable fight-back deserves high acclaim. Further, one cannot take anything away from Jos Buttler, who has their pillar of strength with the bat. With Joe Root enjoying a great form, they both can be England's key to success this World Cup.
How did the match pan out?
Winning the toss, England skipper Eoin Morgan invited Pakistan to bat first, as the latter posted a total of 348/8, riding on Mohammad Hafeez's brilliant knock of 84. In reply, Joe Root (107) and Jos Buttler (103) hit this World Cup's first two tons but brilliant death bowling by Pakistan helped them clinch two crucial points. This win by Pakistan exposes England's vulnerability.
