ENG vs PAK Preview: Far-fetched calculations vs England’s push to end the campaign strong

The action is heading towards the final stages in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as England and Pakistan will take on each other in Match 44 on Saturday, November 10 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

England are coming into the game having beaten Netherlands by 160 runs in their previous fixture to register their second win of the tournament. They are ranked on the seventh spot on the points table with two wins from eight matches having four points to their name. Having been already knocked out of the tournament, the Jos Buttler-led side need to win their last fixture to ensure their qualification for the Champions Trophy 2025.

On the other hand, Pakistan are coming into the fixture having beaten New Zealand by 21 runs via DLS Method in their previous game. The Babar Azam-led side find themselves on the fifth spot on the points table with four wins from four matches having eight points to their name. Pakistan’s hopes for semi-final qualification are hanging by a loose thread as they need to pull off a miraculous 287-run or bigger win over the defending champions to progress to the knockout stages of the competition.

Pitch Report

Out of the last five matches played at the venue, three have been won by teams batting first. The average first-innings score has been 245. While the highest target chased in the history of the venue is 316 by India vs Sri Lanka in 2009. The pitch in the previous game between India and South Africa slowed down as the match progressed. Hence, the captain winning the toss is likely to bat first keeping the recent records of the venue in mind.

Probable Playing XI: