Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow struck fifties as England beat Pakistan by four wickets in the fourth One-Day International between the two sides at Headingley, Leeds on Thursday (September 1).
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The tourists head into Sunday’s final ODI in Cardiff already 4-0 down in the five-match series and with just a lone Twenty20 worldwide in Manchester on Wednesday to follow before they leave Britain.
Only under-fire captain Azhar Ali (80) and number eight Imad Wasim (57not out) hit half-centuries for Pakistan, as Adil Rashid (three for 47) and Moeen Ali shared five wickets.
Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan is set to return home after suffering from cramps in the fourth One-Day International against England and will take no further part in the remainder of the series.
The 34-year-old was hoping to remain with the team for the next few weeks but he broke down during the fourth one-day global on Thursday.
By contrast they are a lowly ninth in the ODI table, with the 1992 champions in danger of failing to qualify automatically for the 2019 World Cup in England.
This is a scenario that will frighten both their legions of loyal fans and ICC chiefs who could see their showpiece tournament deprived of a money-spinning match between Pakistan and arch-rivals India. Irfan’s absence meant he could not return to the attack in any meaningful way and England took advantage – though a mistake from Stokes let Pakistan back in. I spent probably 40 minutes on the phone to him yesterday just discussing where we were and possible names who could come in positions I’ve identified.
Pakistan have a tough schedule as they try to improve their ranking, with the ICC system also factoring into account the quality of a team’s opposition.
“One-day cricket has changed a lot since we played and today I think England gave us an abject lesson in how to play 50 overs”.
Shaharyar Khan apparently is also confused over whether to change the captain of the national one-day team ahead of the series against the West Indies in the UAE or not. It shouldn’t be the most significant milestone for this England side if they can complete the clean sweep over Pakistan in Cardiff – given Pakistan’s form, anything other than a home victory would be a surprise – but it would be another staging post in their rapid upward curve.
Mickey Arthur, the Pakistan coach, stressed on the shortcomings of Pakistan’s batting while acknowledging England’s prowess. “There were checks and balances in place. I’m pretty happy with everything and really looking forward to it”, the 29-year-old Worcestershire off-spinner and left-handed batsman added.
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In that match, half-centuries from Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow saw the hosts recover from 72-4 to successfully chase down their target of 248 with two overs to spare. It will be their first whitewash against a side, in a bilateral series, if they manage to win at Cardiff. “England are a phenomenal cricket team, power-hitters all the way down”, he said.
