Pakistan eye double boost ahead of T20 series decider in England

Pakistan will be hoping for a double boost going into today’s T20 series decider against England in Manchester.

Losing both white-ball series will sow seeds of uncertainty in the minds of Pakistan management, which is not an ideal way to build up towards the T20 World Cup.

Also, if Pakistan win at Old Trafford, they will rise to third in the ICC rankings. Babar Azam’s team are currently in fourth spot on 262 points, one behind New Zealand.

Pakistan will leapfrog the Black Caps into third position with 264 points if they win today. England are top of the table on 277 with India five points behind.

The host nation did not waste much time in getting back on track as they completed a clinical 45-run victory in the second T20 in Leeds on Sunday to level the threematch series.

Pakistan had raised hopes of turning a corner after being thrashed 3-0 in the preceding ODI series by claiming the first T20 by 31 runs.

However, the strength in depth of England’s squad shone through in the second game as they posted 200 and their spinners then restricted the men in green to just 155-9.

Slow bowlers Adil Rashid, Matt Parkinson and Moeen Ali sent down a total of 11 overs in Leeds – an England T20 record.

The visitors will have to make some tough decisions. Fast bowler Haris Rauf went for 44 and 48 runs in the two T20s and his place could be under threat.

Fellow pacer Mohammad Hasnain leaked 51 runs last time out but his figures of 1-28 in the high-scoring first match were excellent, which should keep his spot safe.