Champions Trophy semi-final: Pakistan opt to bowl against England

Cardiff [London], June 14 (ANI): Pakistan won the toss and elected to field against England in the first semi-final of the ongoing Champions Trophy here at the Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on Wednesday. Pakistan have made two changes in their Playing XI, which played last against Sri Lanka Mohammad Amir, who is suffering from back spasm, has been left out and Rumman Raees has replaced him. Leg-spinner Shadab Khan has been roped in the line up in place of Faheem Ashraf. On the other hand, England have included Jonny Bairstow in place of out-of-form Jason Roy. England had topped the Group A registering comprehensive wins against Bangladesh, New Zealand and Australia in its group and thus come into the match as favourites. On the other hand, Pakistan have played as per their unpredictable tag. After suffering from a crushing defeat against India in their opening match, the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side registered astounding victories against South Africa and Sri Lanka to enter the last four. Pakistan Playing XI: Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (capt, wk), Imad Wasim, Rumman Raees, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan. England Playing XI: Alex Hales, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (capt), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood, Jake Ball.(ANI)