Pakistan win toss, elect to field against England in Lahore ODI

LAHORE: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field against England in the fourth match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, with the hosts looking to maintain their unbeaten run and secure a place in the final.

Pakistan have made two changes to their playing XI for the fourth match of the tri-nation ODI series against England, bringing in fast bowler Razaullah for his one-day international debut and recalling all-rounder Shadab Khan.

Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi confirmed the changes after winning the toss. Fast bowler Naseem Shah and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf have been left out of the playing XI. Naseem dislocated a finger during the warm-up, Afridi said.

England captain Harry Brook said that his side would also have opted to bat first had they won the toss.

England made one change to their playing XI, with Henry Crocombe set to make his ODI debut in place of Josh Tongue. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid remained out of the side.

The match has been dedicated to breast cancer awareness as part of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Pink Day initiative during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Pakistan have won both their opening matches, defeating Sri Lanka by 37 runs before beating England by 87 runs in Rawalpindi.

England, meanwhile, have suffered back-to-back defeats, losing to Pakistan before going down to Sri Lanka in a thrilling high-scoring encounter.

The two teams have arrived at Gaddafi Stadium, where fans have also begun arriving for the contest.

Pakistan will be aiming to build on their strong start to the tournament and confirm their place in the October 31 final, while England face mounting pressure to revive their campaign after failing to win either of their first two matches.

The tri-series features Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, with each side playing the other twice in a double round-robin format. The top two teams will qualify for the final at Gaddafi Stadium on October 31.

Pink Day to raise breast cancer awareness

The PCB has dedicated Sunday’s match to breast cancer awareness in partnership with Pink Ribbon Pakistan, using the platform of international cricket to highlight the importance of early detection, regular screening and timely treatment.

Pakistan’s players are wearing specially designed pink kits, while pink stumps and awareness messages are being featured at the stadium. England players, match officials and commentators have also been invited to support the initiative by wearing pink ribbons.

Special Pink Ribbon activities are being held at the venue ahead of the match, while awareness messages are being displayed on stadium screens and perimeter boards.

The initiative forms part of the PCB’s broader efforts to use cricket’s popularity to promote public awareness of breast cancer and encourage women to seek timely screening and medical care.

The board has also partnered with Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Trust Hospital in Lahore, which is offering free screening for fans on October 24 and 26.

The series will continue with Pakistan facing Sri Lanka on October 27, followed by Sri Lanka taking on England on October 29. The top two sides will then meet in the final on October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium.