Pakistan v England 3rd ODI: Series perfectly poised for Sharjah

Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | November 16, 2015

Pakistan v England

• Third ODI
• Tuesday, November 17th
• Play begins: 11:00 GMT
• Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
• Live on Sky Sports 2

ODI series tied

Alex Hales’ maiden One Day International ton, plus some inspired bowling from David Willey and Chris Woakes, allowed England to bring the ODI series with Pakistan level at one win apiece.

Sharjah, where the tour of the United Arab Emirates began, plays host to the third one day game, which England are narrow odds-on 4/5 favourites with Coral for victory in. You can get evens on Pakistan retaking a series lead, however.

Conditions in the UAE have been unforgiving, but at least these shorter form of cricket contests are designated day/night games with evening temperatures under the floodlights more familiar to the tourists.

Roy has reason to be worried

England’s ODI opening batsman Jason Roy has a best runs return of 67 from 13 matches, and is clearly fearful of losing his place at the top of the order.

“Pretty 60s and 70s aren’t winning you any games, so I need to get those big scores and then I hope it will be a bit more of a cemented spot,” he said following the second ODI where he scored 54.

Stepping up to the crease first in whatever form of cricket England play is a bone of contention at present, after all-rounder Moeen Ali’s struggles at the top of the Test batting order against Pakistan.

All Roy can do is improve, and he features in a nifty 9/1 wincast for the third ODI where he needs to record his country’s best score en route to an England win.

Hales is also an attractive alternative for punters at 7/1, while Woakes will appeal again in the best England bowler betting at 7/2 after taking 4-33 last time out.

Pakistan dangerous with pride bruised

Losing by 95 runs is a large margin in one day cricket, so you can expect to see a response from Pakistan.

Mohammad Hafeez was outstanding in the first ODI, smashing 102 not out off 130 balls, and an enhanced 7/1 wincast on him being best with the bat and a victory for The Green Shirts is worth a wager.

Mohammad Irfan (3-35 during the opening one day game) and Wahab Riaz (3-42 in the second fixture) have been best Pakistan bowlers so far in this series, and rate as equal 10/3 chances to do most damage with the ball again.

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Coral’s top tip: Roy’s 54 off 57 balls last time out hinted at real promise, so back him to improve again and cement his place as England’s ODI opener by being best with the bat in that 9/1 wincast.