Sports Reporter :
Favourites England will meet unpredictable Pakistan in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy at Cardiff today. The match begins at 3.30 pm (Bangladesh Time). GTV, Maasranga TV and BTV will telecast the high-voltage match live.
Before today’s match, England and Pakistan faced each other in 79 ODI matches. Of them, England registered in 49 matches, while Pakistan won on 30 occasions.
Besides, England met Pakistan on two matches in the ICC Champions Trophy. The first match was washed out by rain, and in the other match Pakistan won over England by four wickets. England, the Group-A champions stormed into the semi-final securing six points from three matches.
On the other hand, Pakistan, the Group-B runners-up reached the semi-final bagging four points from three matches. England have been absolutely clinical in the 50-overs format this year and are once again proving why they are such a hard nut to crack at home. The
English team are compact and all the players are in a good form, except Jason Roy, who could be replaced by Sam Billings. Plus, they have a terrific ODI record at the Sophia Gardens with six wins from eight matches. Pakistan however have something to cheer about as they beat the hosts the last time they played in an ODI match against them at this ground.
Still England are favourites.
