Vaughan predicts Pakistan's key players for England match

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan has weighed in on Pakistan's strategy for their upcoming match against England on Saturday.

As Pakistan teeters on the edge of elimination from the World Cup 2023, the pressure is mounting on the team to secure a decisive victory against England.

While talking on Cricbuzz, Vaughan emphasized the need for players with a striking rate of 160 to 170 and effective wicket-takers. He singled out Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi as potential game-changers, citing Rauf's capacity for quick wickets and Afridi's proven ability to dismantle oppositions. 

‘What Pakistan have to do is very simple. They have to put in players in their team who they believe can score at strike rate of about 160 to 170. And they need wicket takers, whoever their best wicket takers are, they’ll sit down and right who potentially get us a five for quickly. Haris Rauf, he might but he has got in him to do that. Shaheen Shah Afridi's ability to get quick wickets, he is obviously going to play,” Vaughan said.

Additionally, he predicts the inclusion of leg-spinner Shadab Khan, highlighting Pakistan's confidence in both his leg-spin and depth in batting.

“I think they’ll play the leg-spinner Shadab Khan. I think they fancy his leg-spin and depth in his batting,” he further added.

Pakistan, having won four matches and suffered defeats in an equal number, faces a precarious situation in the tournament. To secure a spot in the semi-finals, Pakistan must conclude their campaign with 10 points. However, their net run-rate poses a significant challenge. 

In a must-win scenario against England, if Pakistan bats first, they need to win by a margin of 287 runs. On the other hand, if they bowl first, they must restrict England to 50 runs and chase the target in two overs, or limit them to 100 runs and chase in three overs.