ICC Champions Trophy 2017: England vs Pakistan, 5 players to watch out for

Modified Jun 13, 2017 19:42 IST

LEEDS, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: Ben Stokes (2R) of England celebrates with Moeen Ali (R) after taking a catch off the bowling of Chris Jordan to dismiss Sharjeel Khan of Pakistan during the 4th Royal London One -Day International match between England and Pakistan at Headingley on September 1, 2016 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) — England will hope to overcome Pakistan and seal a berth in the finals

#3 Fakhar Zaman

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 07: Fakhar Zaman of Pakistan hits out during the ICC Champions Trophy match between South Africa and Pakistan at Edgbaston on June 7, 2017 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) — Fakhar Zaman has impressed at the top of the order for Pakistan

Dropping Ahmed Shehzad for Fakhar Zaman was possibly the best decision Pakistan made in this tournament. The aggressive southpaw has relieved the pressure on Azhar Ali with his attractive stroke play and exuberant shots.

Known for hitting the ball a mile, Zaman will once again be expected to get Pakistan off to a flying start in the semi-final. With the conservative Azhar at the other end, Pakistan need early impetus in their innings and Zaman needs to provide them with that. If he can disrupt the lengths of the England seamers early on, Pakistan stand a good chance of crossing the 300-run mark.

Record against England

Zaman is yet to play against England. In fact, the left-handed opening batsman is set to play just his third ODI.