Sharjah: Pakistan will play for pride in the third and final Twenty20 match of the series between Pakistan and England, at the Sharjah Stadium on Monday, with England having already won the three-match series with two consecutive victories.
England have nothing to lose but everything to gain. A 3-0 clean sweep can see them shoot up the ICC rankings from their demoralising eighth position to fourth. If they can achieve it here, they can walk out into the field during the 2016 World Cup with pride.
For the Pakistani side that were in winning positions in both the matches in Dubai only to fail at crucial moments, a win in Sharjah can go a long way to wipe out their disappointment. Talent-wise, Pakistan is among the best teams in this format and hence has to win here to justify their reputation as the most dangerous players of Twenty20 cricket. This match will also be a lesson for Pakistan, who seem to have forgotten that every run matters in Twenty20 cricket.
England players, with their superior fitness and ability to rise to the challenges at the right time, deservingly emerged the series winners. It wasn’t hence surprising that Pakistan team which had announced they will practice in the morning at Sharjah stadium, decided to spend their time at their hotel gym. Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi stressed on the need for fitness: “We have to improve our fitness and fielding before the World Twenty20 next year in India.” The Pakistan team management also feels the difference between the two teams was the fitness of the English players.
Though Pakistani fans are disappointed at losing the series, they believe Afridi will produce a match-winning performance in Sharjah and hence tickets are being sold out fast, with some available at the stadium on match day too.
England has the added advantage of the new players in the team playing fearless cricket. Jos Buttler, who captained England in the second match in place of Eoin Morgan, said: “Retaining the fearlessness we’ve got at the moment and that youthful exuberance is vital. Lack of experience is almost helping us at the minute. There is no fear in the group, and it’s full of guys who enjoy the occasion and want to be part of it. To go to a World Cup knowing everyone has had experience in these conditions, (it means) they’re not searching for something they haven’t done before.”
England players too decided to loosen up with a game of football at the ICC Cricket Academy grounds. Buttler revealed that his team will continue to follow the same style of cricket in Sharjah. “We want to promote that aggressive style of cricket we’ve had for the last six to eight months. Winning 2-0 just shows we’re doing the right things,” he said.
The aggressive style of England has even made Pakistan fans applaud them. James Vince, who made the debut for England during this series showed how aggressive he can be in the two matches with knocks of 41 and 38. Being able to do it in front of a packed stadium has boosted his confidence. “I was nervous walking out that first game, in front of a full stadium, but I settled down after a couple of balls and eased into it nicely,” remarked Vince, who wants his team to record a clean sweep. “To come here and win 3-0 would be a great effort, that’s what we’re looking to do. Nice to come into a team that’s been winning, fun to play in the group, winning definitely helps,” he said.
