Edwards previews England v Pakistan

Former England Captain Charlotte Edwards has previewed the England v Pakistan World Cup game, which is being played at Grace Road on Tuesday, June 27.

"I didn’t get the opportunity to play against Pakistan many times throughout my England career. I only played one ODI series against them in 2013 which we won 2-0. Always well led by Sana Mir and the strength being in their spin attack and a young and exciting batting unit. You always felt like you were in a battle, the Pakistan team are very passionate and full of energy which made every game very competitive.

"I’ve always been impressed with how well they have played the pace bowling but surprised how they haven’t looked as comfortable against spin. Normally the sub-continent teams play spin very well but from my experience of playing Pakistan that hasn’t been the case. They are a good fielding team with lots of energy and noise and you always feel you’re in a contest.

"Pakistan have some very skillful spinners, Sana Mir records speaks for itself and young left arm spinner Anam Amin is a very promising prospect. Pakistan have Asmavia Iqbal to lead their seam attack, and is also very useful with bat. The Pakistan batting is based around Bismah Maroof, she’s a young left hander who for me is their standout player. Hits all round the wicket and very strong against spin. Javeria Khan is another key player, an opening batter who has one hundred so far for Pakistan and averages 30 in ODi cricket. Javeria plays pace well and for Pakistan to be successful in the World Cup she will be key.

"My Pakistan player to watch is Bismah Maroof,  she’s already played 90 games at the age of 25. She has lots of experience now and was the stand out performer last summer when Pakistan played England. She also bowls some useful leg spin and I’m certain she’ll add to her 34 International wickets throughout the World Cup

"My England Player to watch is Tammy Beaumont, she was outstanding in the summer of 2016 against Pakistan, scoring two ODI hundreds. She will hope to take that type of form into the World cup and I’m sure she’ll be very confident heading into to the Pakistan fixture.

"England will be extremely confident going into the match on 27^th June at Leicester. England whitewashed Pakistan last summer so they will be hoping for a similar result. Both teams played each other at Leicester last summer, where England won easily. I predict an England win, I think England’s batting will be too powerful plus their strength in depth in all areas. However the improvement Pakistan have made in last few years and having beaten England in a T20 in 2013, England won’t be taking them lightly."