The first ODI of the series was washed out after just 19 overs had been bowled, but that was enough for Jofra Archer to make an impression in his second ODI.
Pressure is growing on England chief selector Ed Smith to include the all-rounder in the World Cup group of 15 after the axing of Alex Hales.
Pakistan weathered an early storm from the England bowlers without too much damage done, before a literal storm brought an end to play.
Saturday 11 May
Rose Bowl, Southampton
12:00
To Win Match
England 46/100
Tie 40/1
Pakistan 17/10
England
England are after some fine-tuning from this series, but could find themselves staring down a big change in the balance of their side if they attempt to wedge Archer into the World Cup group.
The fight for the new ball, which could hold the key to bowling success at the World Cup, goes on with Archer putting up his hand while Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett and David Willey are all candidates for possession of the shiny Dukes pill.
James Vince remains the most likely replacement for Hales in the World Cup group, but he will have to impress in the bilateral series against Pakistan to keep his name in the ring.
Should Vince not make the cut, England still have options to open the batting with Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler in good nick and Jason Roy expected to recover from the back spasm he suffered at the end of April. Middle-order man Joe Denly also suffered a back spasm around the same time, which has put on hold plans for him to bowl more overs of his part-time spin against Pakistan.
Test skipper Joe Root has played no part in Yorkshire’s One-Day Cup campaign and is in need of time out on the middle ahead of the World Cup, which gets underway on 30 May.
Pakistan
Imam-ul-Haq came through an early examination well enough for Pakistan, but question marks hang over Pakistan’s batting, particularly their ability to keep pace with the game’s elite in high-scoring contests.
Pakistan held back teenaged paceman Mohammad Hasnain in favour of the more experienced Mohammad Amir at The Oval, presumably to allow Amir a shot at some form of redemption. Amir has struggled to find a way to consistently take wickets and contribute to Pakistan’s cause.
Amir has frequently been outshone by his pace counterparts Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi, who have established themselves as match-winning quick bowlers.
Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed intimated he may move up the batting order to assume some of the pressure of pushing up the scoring rate through the middle overs, but he was still slated to come in at six at The Oval.
Verdict: England 46/100
England have the measure of Pakistan in every department and should win.
Written by @JonhenryWilson
