World Cup 2023: England vs Pakistan, Game 44 – Match Prediction

England will lock horns against Pakistan in the 44th match of the ongoing World Cup 2023 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday. The defending champions will want to end their forgettable tournament on a high whereas Pakistan has a slim chance of making it to the last four after New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka.

Pakistan will have to win by more than 270 runs if they bat first against England whereas the Men in Green will have to chase down the target in 2.3 overs if they bat second. Ergo, it will be all but impossible for Pakistan to qualify for the semis.

Meanwhile, England was able to get the much-needed win against the Netherlands but it has been a poor campaign for them. Ben Stokes scored a fine hundred whereas Dawid Malan also scored a crucial knock of 87 runs at the top of the order. Moreover, English spinners – Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali – bagged three wickets each.

On the other hand, Pakistan has been given a second lease of life since Fakhar Zaman has made a promising return. Zaman has scored two quickfire knocks in the last two matches and he has played a key role in the team’s success. The Men in Green will also want to end their campaign on a high.

Match Prediction: Pakistan will enter the contest as favorites against England.

England squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Brydon Carse, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.

Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.