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Pakistan vs England 2015, 4th ODI at Dubai: Key Battles

England will look to complete a 3-1 series win when they take on Pakistan in the 4th ODI at Dubai.

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Eoin Morgan (left) and Yasir Shah are expected to have a tough battle during the middle overs of the England innings © Getty Images

England have managed to get their own back against Pakistan after a disappointing Test series, leading the four-match One-Day International (ODI) series 2-1 after losing the first game. Pakistan dominated the Tests, and it seemed like they would continue to do so in the ODIs as well after bowling England out for a mere 216 in the opening encounter. However, England have shown immense resilience, and have come back well after the defeat, and would now want to seal the series with a win in the fourth ODI. Following are some of the key battles we could see in the do-or-die clash for hosts. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: Pakistan vs England 2015, 4th ODI at Dubai

Jason Roy vs Mohammad Irfan: Jason Roy has a tremendous reputation back in England’s domestic circles and his recent performances in international cricket show why. After a disappointing start to his career, he has finally found his groove. The big scores have not come yet, but he has been getting England off to flying starts. He stated recently that Mohammad Irfan’s height leads to awkward bounce, and singled out the seven-footer as a bowler to watch out for. If Irfan can snare Roy early it will be a huge load off Pakisan’s shoulders.

Azhar Ali vs David Willey: Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali has transformed himself into a useful batsman in the shorter formats of the game, but he has not had a lot of success with the bat so far in the series. He got starts in the last couple of games but was unable to build on them. Meanwhile, David Willey has been good for England with his fast-medium bowling. Willey will want to pick off Azhar early, and likewise Azhar will target Willey in order to get Pakistan off to a good start. PREVIEW: Pakistan vs England 2015, 4th ODI at Dubai

Eoin Morgan vs Yasir Shah: The Ireland-born England skipper has been in his usual good form since his comeback to the team. He scored a vital half-century in the first game and has made steady contributions in the two matches that followed. He has not yet put in a match-turning performance that he often does, and will want to change that soon. Yasir Shah has been in indifferent form in the ODI series so far, going for as many as 70 in nine overs in the last match. He was England’s bane in the Tests and will want to get back into his groove quickly. If Yasir manages to find form, England will find it extremely tough in the middle overs.

Mohammad Hafeez vs Chris Woakes: ‘The Professor’ Hafeez has been dependable at the top for some time now. After scoring a century to help Pakistan win the first ODI, he was out for a duck in the second match as England pulled off an easy win. He came back with 45 in third ODIs, but could not keep the English bowlers at bay. Chris Woakes has been in prime form in this series, and has looked the most potent of the England bowlers. If Woakes can get Hafeez out early it will help the visitors wind up the series.

Alex Hales vs Wahab Riaz: England’s explosive opener has been rather subdued in terms of strike rate in this series, but he has scored more runs than most of this teammates. His century in the second ODI — which was his first one in the format — helped England post a huge total and successfully defend it. He will be wary of Wahab Riaz though, who has bowled wonderfully throughout the series with little success. Wahab has been used at crucial times in the series and has often delivered compact overs when needed. If Hales can go after Wahab successfully it will help England gain the upper hand, but if Wahab can reproduce another lethal spell Hales might not stand a chance.

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