Pakistan Opt to Bowl First Against England in World Cup Clash

News Desk 

Colombo: Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and chose to bowl first in their World Cup match against England at Colombo.

England, unbeaten so far in the tournament, made two changes to their XI due to illness. Spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who took 4 for 17 against Sri Lanka, and seamer Lauren Bell were replaced by seam bowler Em Arlott, making her tournament debut, and legspinner Sarah Glenn.

Pakistan, yet to register a win in the competition, also made two changes to strengthen their batting line-up. Omaima Sohail was promoted to open the innings, while Aliya Riaz slotted in at No. 4, replacing Sadaf Shamas and Eyman Fatima.

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“We need to bat longer,” Sana said at the toss. “The pitch looks good and hopefully it will be an advantage for the spinners.”

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who scored a century in the previous match, said she too would have preferred to bowl first, citing the weather and pitch conditions.

After heavy rain washed out Tuesday’s match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, the game got underway on schedule under humid conditions.

Playing XIs:

Pakistan: Omaima Sohail, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Fatima Sana (capt), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal

England: Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wk), Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Linsey Smith, Em Arlott