Story Pakistan's International season [BLIC]

[nightprowler10]

Pakistan vs England - 3rd ODI (D/N in Rawalpindi)

After a long couple of weeks, I have finally started playing the final ODI of this series. Though I might not be able to finish the match today.

Preview:
For the final match of this exciting One-Day series, the Pindi Stadium of Rawalpindi was chosen. After a big win against Pakistan, England were now the favorites for winning this series. England made no changes in their line-up, whereas Pakistan brought Shoaib Akhter back in to replace Muhammad Amir. Naved-ul-Hasan was able to stay in the line-up and Kamran Akmal was moved up to two-down. Let's see if these changes help Pakistan make a comeback and win this series. One thing is for sure, it's going to be a heck of a game.

England won the toss and decided to bat.
An easy decision for England, considering teams batting first tend to pile up plenty of runs on this pitch. Here is a look at the pitch and the line-ups:

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[nightprowler10]

Solanki goes early, but England recover fast

England got off to a great start. Shoaib Akhter, who bowled his very first over in many months, got hit 9 runs. With 28 runs in just 3 overs, England were carving Pakistan up. But an unfortunate runout that got rid of Solanki slowed England down quiet a bit. Though Trescothick was unaffected by the runout and was hitting boundaries all over, Vaughan was facing most of the deliveries. England were able to get their first 50 in just 8 overs, a score that would've come by a lot sooner had Solanki been playing.

But to the English fans delight, Vaughan was soon catching up with Trescothick hitting 11 runs off of Kaneria in the 9th over. By drinks break, England were already 95/1 and this Trescothick-Vaughan partnership was looking very very dangerous. Here are the stats froom the inning so far:

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[nightprowler10]

Trescothick and Vaughan maintain dominance

So far this has been a very boring match, for the Pakistani fans that is. Pakistani bowlers haven't had any success whatsoever against England ever since Solanki's runout. Both Trescothick and Vaughan have been playing beautifully, fending off all Pakistani attacks while keeping the runrate around 6 an over. At this point England are the favorites to win this match. After 36 overs, England are 213/1. Trescothick has completed his century, and Vaughan is right behind him. Pakistan need to slow things down or else thay'll have to chase a humongous total under the lights.

Here are the stats from the inning so far:

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[nightprowler10]

Pakistan make a comeback

Just a few balls after the last update, Pakistan made a slight comeback by taking some important wickets. First to go was Trescothick, who tried to hit one through mid-wicket but was easily caught by Inzamam, ending an amazing innings by the English opener.

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In the very next over, Vaughan tried to hit one through mid-off but instead edged it off towards mid-wicket allowing Afridi to take a diving catch, ending his innings a few runs before he could reach his century.

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After this very important wicket, Pakistani spinners did their best to stay on top. The odd bounce that didn't bother Trescothick and Vaughan was proving to be a pain for Strauss and Flintoff. A wise Inzamam saved Afridi till the very end and had Malik and Kaneria bowl their hearts out. Sami came back and picked up Strauss's wicket followed by Pieterson's on the very next ball. Akhter and Sami kept bowling their bouncers trying to avoid getting hit for boundaries but couldn't hold Flintoff for very long.

 

[nightprowler10]

England 280/7

England finished the inning after scoring 280 runs with only three wickets to spare. After losing Trescothick, England made only 67 runs in almost 14 overs and lost 5 more wickets in the process, which just goes to show just how crucial that 150+ partnership was for England. Pakistan now need 281 runs to win the match and the series. Here are the stats from England's inning:

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[m_vaughan]

Good innings by Trescothick there. Vaughan also played well. But I think they will be disappointed that they werent able to make 300.

 

[The Champ]

Ya 300 will have some psychological advantage though

 

[gold639]

But still,280 is an excellent score.

 

[m_vaughan]

But still,280 is an excellent score.

Not in the subcontinent!

 

[SaiSrini]

But still,280 is an excellent score.

A score of 280 in the subcontinent pitches are too small nowadays. Its tough to defend them.

 

[fardin]

A score of 280 in the subcontinent pitches are too small nowadays. Its tough to defend them.

You dont know what score Is a trust worthy one when you play in sub-continent pitches.

 

[The Champ]

Well presented story thread mate, i think the only one to use Channel nine tv graphics well done

 

[gold639]

You dont know what score Is a trust worthy one when you play in sub-continent pitches.

For once I agree with you Fardin

 

[The Champ]

For once I agree with you Fardin

Thats great news u have agreed with Fardin buddy

 

[nightprowler10]

Thank you for all the responses guys, I have to go to Chicago today for a personal matter and will play Pakistan's inning when I come back.

You know, to be honest, I was pretty surprised by the way England thrashed Pakistan in the last two matches towards the end of their innings and barely scored over 5.0 in this one. It was kinda realistic I guess. After losing two batsmen in top form back to back, they panicked and threw away wickets. I really was expecting a score of at least 320 runs.