Rumman Raees strikes for Pakistan, England on backfoot

Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl against England in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy on Wednesday.

Sarfraz Ahmed’s men, after beating South Africa and Sri Lanka, are hoping to continue their winning momentum against unbeaten hosts England.

Fast bowler Mohammad Amir, who played a crucial role in Pakistan’s sensational victory against Sri Lanka, is out with back injury. PSL star Rumman Raees is playing in his place.

Young spinner Shadab Khan is in for all-rounder Fahim Ashraf.

England’s Jonny Bairstow is in for out-of-form opener Jason Roy.

Pakistan are playing their fourth semi-final of the tournament, having made past appearances in 2000, 2004 and 2009.

England, on the other hand, have made it to the finals of the tournament in 2004 and 2013.

Young skipper Sarfraz Ahmed feels confident ahead of the big game in Cardiff. 

“England is a very strong team and looks in good form but the team which plays better on the match day would take it all.

We have a good record at Cardiff against England, defeated them here last year and looking forward to repeat the history,” Sarfraz said.

England captain Eoin Morgan, speaking in a pre-match press conference, said his side is wary of Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Teams

Pakistan: Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Rumman Raees, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan

England: JM Bairstow, AD Hales, JE Root, EJG Morgan*, JC Buttler, BA Stokes, MM Ali, AU Rashid, LE Plunkett, MA Wood, JT Ball

Article source: http://www.suchtv.pk/sports/item/55340-champions-trophy-pakistan-will-take-on-england-in-first-semi-final-today.html