RAWALPINDI: After a 21-year gap in ODI cricket on Pakistani soil, England will face Pakistan in the second match of the tri-nation series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, with Shaheen Shah Afridi’s men aiming to build on their opening victory and make home conditions count against the visitors.
Pakistan enter the contest after defeating Sri Lanka by 37 runs on Sunday, while England will look to impose their aggressive brand of one-day cricket in a fixture that presents an important test for both sides ahead of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The encounter brings renewed attention to a long-standing rivalry in which England hold the historical advantage. According to the supplied head-to-head statistics, England have won 57 ODIs against Pakistan, who have recorded 32 victories, while three matches ended without a result.
England head coach Brendon McCullum’s media talk | ODI Tri-Series 2026
#PAKvENG | #CricketKaJashan https://t.co/1LA6Zfx7lw
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Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Harry Brook in the spotlight
Pakistan will depend on Babar Azam’s ability to anchor the innings and Salman Ali Agha’s capacity to build on his match-winning century against Sri Lanka. Babar has scored 854 ODI runs against England at an average of 47.44, making him one of the home side’s key batting figures.
With the ball, Shaheen will lead Pakistan’s efforts to strike early against England’s top order. Naseem Shah’s ability to generate movement and Haris Rauf’s pace could also prove important, while Faheem Ashraf will be expected to provide support during crucial stages.
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England captain Harry Brook will seek to use his attacking approach to put Pakistan’s bowlers under pressure, while Joe Root’s experience offers the visitors stability through the middle overs. England’s batting depth means Pakistan will need to maintain discipline and avoid allowing partnerships to develop.
Rawalpindi’s generally batting-friendly conditions could favour players who negotiate the opening overs successfully. Pakistan will look to exploit their familiarity with the surface, while England will aim to preserve wickets before accelerating in the latter stages.
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2nd Match | Tri-Series
📍 Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium 🏟️One win in the bag, and the mission continues! 🔥💥
Best of luck to our boys as they take on England tomorrow. Let’s keep the momentum going and light up Pindi once again! 💚🏏
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Key statistics
- Head-to-head: England 57 wins, Pakistan 32 wins, three no-results, according to the supplied figures.
- Babar Azam against England: 854 ODI runs at an average of 47.44.
- Joe Root against Pakistan: 835 ODI runs at an average of 52.18.
- Adil Rashid against Pakistan: 18 ODI wickets.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi against England: Nine ODI wickets, according to the supplied statistics.
- Pakistan’s latest result: A 37-run win over Sri Lanka in the tri-series opener.
Joe Root Masterclass Batting Practice at Rawalpindi Stadium | England Net Session 🔥| WAHJOC Sports
📌 Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan
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Pakistan’s priority will be to use their pace attack to make early inroads and give their batters a solid platform. England, meanwhile, will seek to draw on their historical advantage and aggressive batting depth to challenge the hosts.
Read Also: Shaheen Shah Afridi Rises Among Pakistan’s Top ODI Captains
With Pakistan carrying momentum and England returning to ODI action in the country after a lengthy absence, the Rawalpindi clash promises a compelling test of skill, adaptability and leadership.
