Preview: Pakistan vs England ODI Tri‑Series in Rawalpindi
The upcoming tri‑series in Rawalpindi promises to sharpen the focus on 50‑over cricket ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Pakistan, fresh from a mixed run of results, are determined to underline their progress under Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy, while England aim to continue their upward ODI trajectory after a successful winter. The series is also a showcase for key talents such as Salman Agha and Jordan Cox, and it offers both teams a realistic preparation for conditions they may face in South Africa.
Big picture: Focus on 50‑over format
With less than a year until the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, the emphasis on one‑day play is intensifying on both sides of the subcontinent. Pakistan have struggled in the Champions Trophy but have shown improvement under Afridi, requesting pace‑oriented wickets to prepare for the sub‑continent’s challenge. England, meanwhile, have cemented their resurgence in ODIs, winning three successive series and looking to build on that momentum heading into the World Cup window.
Key narrative points include England’s quest for their first ODI success in Pakistan since the 1987‑88 tour, Harry Brook’s evolution from Ashes‑era flop to trusted leader, and Pakistan’s ambition to prove they are World Cup contenders despite recent inconsistencies.
Form guide
| Pakistan | England |
|---|---|
| WWLWL (Last five, most‑recent first) | WLWWW |
The table reflects Pakistan’s mixed recent run and England’s consistent climb, with the hosts missing Shadab Khan and Sofyan Moqim due to illness, while England will be boosted by the return of Adil Rashid and Sam Curran.
In the spotlight: Salman Agha and Jordan Cox
Salman Agha has had a turbulent season, dropping from Test captaincy to being omitted from T20I squads, yet he re‑emerged as a force in ODIs with an 82‑ball century against Sri Lanka, laying the foundation for Pakistan’s tri‑series opener. His resilience and ability to convert starts into big scores make him a pivotal figure for Pakistan’s World Cup plans.
Jordan Cox, after impressing in the Test series against Pakistan, was thrust into the ODI side during the Sri Lanka series when Jos Buttler fell injured. With Buttler sidelined for the upcoming tour of Australia and this England trip, Cox now has the chance to cement his reputation as the next outstanding young batter‑wk combination, adding depth to England’s World Cup squad.
Team news: Rashid and Curran back for England
Pakistan have handed a surprise debut to all‑rounder Saad Baig behind the stumps in the tri‑series opener, although he has impressed more with the bat. Shadab Khan and Sofyan Moqim remain with the squad despite illness concerns.
England’s updates include the return of Adil Rashid, fit after missing the home ODI series against Sri Lanka, and Sam Curran, who is back after a groin issue kept him out since August. Jofra Archer is rested, while England may deploy a predominantly fast attack if the Rawalpindi pitch stays true. Spin options will be covered by Liam Dawson, Mason Crane, and the returning Rashid.
Possible England XI (based on recent announcements): 1 Tom Banton, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Joe Root, 4 Harry Brook (c), 5 Jordan Cox (wk), 6 Will Jacks, 7 Sam Curran/Jamie Overton, 8 Gus Atkinson, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Josh Tongue, 11 Sonny Baker.
Pitch and conditions: More fast scoring in prospect
The Rawalpindi pitch is expected to be brisk and conducive to quick runs, much like the first match of the tri‑series when Sri Lanka posted 306 but collapsed in the chase. Evening dew could favour the chasing side, making a high‑scoring contest likely.
Stats and trivia
- England’s last ODI tour of Pakistan was the 2025 Champions Trophy, where they lost all three fixtures.
- The previous England ODI series in Pakistan was over 20 years ago, a 3‑2 loss in a five‑match series.
- Pakistan sit fifth in the ICC ODI rankings, one spot above England, and have won each of their last three series on home soil.
- Joe Root needs 97 runs to become the first Englishman (and 34th overall) to reach 8,000 ODI career runs.
- Shaheen Afridi is just one wicket shy of 150 in ODI cricket.
Quotes
“In the last six to eight months we’re certainly trending in the right direction as a squad. I think we’re really building towards the make‑up of the side that we want.”
— Harry Brook
The series also carries personal significance for Brook, who aims to be “the man England fans and the team rely on” and to lead England to their first ODI win in Pakistan since 1987‑88, cementing his leadership credentials ahead of the World Cup.
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