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The second ODI between England Women and Pakistan Women was abandoned after just 41 balls due to torrential rain. England leads the series 1-0 and will be aiming to wrap it up in the third and final match at Chelmsford. Pakistan Women, however, have a chance to draw the series, despite being whitewashed in the T20I series earlier. It won’t be an easy task, as the home team will start as clear favorites.
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England Women:
England Women are on the verge of a series triumph. However, their first ODI victory in Derby revealed areas needing improvement. The team posted a modest total of 243/9, with all top-order batsmen reaching double figures but none exceeding 44. The management will likely emphasize converting these starts into substantial scores to solidify their dominance in the next match.
Nat Sciver-Brunt is a key player to watch. The experienced batter has amassed 434 runs in her last 10 matches at an average of 72.33 and a strike rate of 103. Nat also has an impressive record against Pakistan – 430 runs in 8 innings at an average of 71.66 and a strike rate of 142.
Another important batter is Amy Jones, who has scored 279 runs in the last 10 matches at an average of 46.5.
Despite securing the win in Derby, England Women seek a more comprehensive bowling display. They were unable to bowl Pakistan out in the first game and will be aiming to do so in this match. Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone took 3-26 in the first ODI and will be a threat again, while Lauren Bell’s height adds another dimension to England’s bowling attack.
Charlotte Dean, who has taken 15 wickets in the last 7 matches at an economy of 5, is another bowler who can have a significant impact.
England Predicted Playing XI:
- Maia Bouchier
- Tammy Beaumont
- Heather Knight (c)
- Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Alice Capsey
- Amy Jones (wk)
- Charlotte Dean
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Sarah Glenn
- Kate Cross
- Lauren Bell
Pakistan Women:
Despite losing the first ODI, Pakistan Women showed promise in the second. They reached 29-0 after 6.5 overs before the rain came down heavily. This strong opening suggests a potential shift in approach compared to the first game, where they fell short at 206-9, chasing 244.
Pakistan will look to their in-form openers to continue their dominance at the top of the order. Sadaf Shamas has been a consistent run-scorer, and her contribution will be crucial. Sidra Amin, averaging nearly 40 with 316 runs in her last 10 matches, is another key player to watch.
Pakistan’s bowlers performed admirably in the first ODI, with Nida Dar, Nashra Sandhu, Umm-e-Hani, and Aliya Riaz leading the way. However, Fatima Sana and Diana Baig’s opening partnership proved costly. Pakistan will aim to tighten their bowling in the early overs ahead of the third ODI.
Pakistan Predicted Playing XI:
- Sadaf Shamas
- Sidra Ameen
- Muneeba Ali
- Ayesha Zafar
- Nida Dar (c)
- Aliya Riaz
- Fatima Sana
- Najiha Alvi (wk)
- Umm-e-Hani
- Diana Baig
- Nashra Sandhu
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report: The Chelmsford County Ground is known for being a bowler-friendly track in women’s ODIs. Seamers enjoy the early movement on offer with the new ball. However, Chelmsford’s small dimensions favor batters, as evidenced by six 300-plus scores in recent domestic matches.
The average score batting first at Chelmsford’s County Ground in women’s ODIs is just 187, with the highest total being 259-6 by England Women against Australia Women in 2009. The team batting first in this game will be looking to get to a total of around 250-260.
Weather Conditions: The weather forecast for the match day includes passing morning showers, but it is expected to be mostly cloudy for the rest of the day. Seamers may benefit from the conditions early on, but batters could dominate once they settle in.
Winning Prediction
England Women have a perfect record against Pakistan Women in ODIs, and they’ll be looking to extend that streak in this upcoming match. While England’s batting performance has left room for improvement, their overall dominance is undeniable. However, Pakistan Women shouldn’t be completely discounted. They’ve shown glimpses of strong play, and their team is steadily developing.
While England is heavily favored, Pakistan’s potential to disrupt their rhythm and extend the game should be acknowledged. This match has the potential to be both one-sided and surprisingly competitive. We reckon England Women will emerge victorious and continue their winning run against Pakistan Women.
Prediction: England Women to win the third ODI.