Pakistan to 'play for pride' in last England ODI: coach Azhar Mahmood

CARDIFF: Pakistan will look to play for saving grace and avoid a white wash when it takes on England in last ODI in Sofia Gardens, Cardiff on Sunday.

Pakistan and England, both were forced to practice indoors on Saturday ahead of the match due to continuous rain in the city.

England with victories at Southampton, Lord’s, Nottingham and Leeds, are now leading 4-0 in the five match series, and now looking to complete the white wash at home but Pakistan aims to stop England from achieving 5-0 win the series.

“We have nothing to lose from here, we’ll go all out and play for our pride,” said Pakistan’s bowling coach Azhar Mahmood ahead of the game in Cardiff.

“I am sure boys are equally eager and looking forward to end the series on some positive note,” the former all rounder said.

“People talk a lot about the difference between our Test and ODI teams, the main reason behind this is consistency with the players picked for the format,” he added.

Pakistan suffered another setback ahead of the match when the fast bowler Mohammad Irfan was ruled out the last ODI and the T20I as well.

Irfan who returned to Pakistan ODI team for the 4th ODI couldn’t complete his bowling figures due to cramps and he will now go back to Pakistan for further rehab work at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Mohammad Aamir is likely to come back to the side for the last ODI in place of Irfan. Aamir was rested for the 4th ODI by the team management.

Pakistan will also look to utilize its spin options to take the maximum advantage of spin-friendly conditions at Cardiff.

England has never won an ODI series 5-0 at home but they clearly have a chance at Cardiff to achieve this feat and all-rounder Moeen Ali is confident that England will complete the 5-0 win in the five match series with the win at last ODI.

“We've got a great chance now to get this whitewash and it will be a massive achievement,” said Moeen Ali.