The third and final unofficial ODI between Pakistan A and England Lions will be played at the famous Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium on March 4, 2026.
The series currently stands 1-1, making this match the decider. England Lions started the series strongly with a dominant win in the first game, while the second match was abandoned due to interruptions. With both teams aiming to secure the series victory, fans can expect a competitive contest in Abu Dhabi.
England Lions appear slightly stronger based on recent form and a balanced squad, but Pakistan A will rely on home-like conditions in the UAE and their young talent to fight back.
Match Details – PAK-A vs ENG Lions
| Match | Pakistan A vs England Lions – 3rd Unofficial ODI |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Pakistan A vs England Lions Series 2026 |
| Date | March 4, 2026 |
| Venue | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
| Match Time | 1:30 PM Local |
| Format | 50-Over Match |
| Series Status | Level 1-1 |
Pakistan A Team Preview
Pakistan A have a young squad filled with promising domestic players who are eager to prove themselves. The team will look to bounce back after struggling with the bat in the first game.
Captain Shamyl Hussain has an important role in stabilizing the top order. Wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir and batter Saad Baig provide support in the middle overs. One of the key players for Pakistan A is Abdul Samad, who showed good form in the previous match with a solid 44-run innings.
Their bowling attack relies on spin options like Sufiyan Muqeem and Arafat Minhas, who could play a big role on the Abu Dhabi surface where spin often becomes effective during the middle overs.
For Pakistan A to win, they must build partnerships and avoid early collapses that hurt them in the opening match.
England Lions Team Preview
England Lions enter this match with confidence after their dominant performance in the first game. Their batting lineup looks strong with aggressive players at the top.
Opener Will Smeed provides attacking starts, while wicketkeeper James Rew and middle-order batter Dan Mousley help control the innings. The all-round abilities of James Coles and Matthew Revis give balance to the team.
In the bowling department, England Lions have a powerful attack. Matthew Potts and Saqib Mahmood can create problems with the new ball, while spinner Calvin Harrison proved his value in the previous match by taking key wickets.
Their combination of pace and spin makes them a dangerous side in this deciding match.
Pitch Report – Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium
The Abu Dhabi pitch usually provides a balanced contest between bat and ball. Fast bowlers can get early movement with the new ball, but as the match progresses the surface often assists spinners.
Recent matches have also shown that totals are slightly lower compared to traditional ODI venues.
| Pitch Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Balanced surface |
| Average 1st Innings Score | Around 250 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | Around 203 |
| Bowling Support | Spin dominates in middle overs |
| Toss Strategy | Bowl first preferred |
| Weather | Around 30°C, clear conditions |
A score of 220–230 runs could be competitive in this match.
Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan A and England Lions have not played many unofficial ODIs against each other in recent years, but they have met in other formats during development tours.
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Overall Meetings | Limited encounters |
| Recent Form | England Lions slightly ahead |
| Series Status | Level 1-1 |
The current series has already produced one dominant win and one abandoned match, setting up an exciting decider.
Recent Team Form
Pakistan A (Last 5 Matches)
L – W – L – W – W
England Lions (Last 5 Matches)
W – NR – W – L – W
England Lions appear slightly more consistent heading into the final match.
Probable Playing XI
Pakistan A
Shamyl Hussain (c), Maaz Sadaqat, Rohail Nazir (wk), Saad Baig, Abdul Samad, Arafat Minhas, Saad Khan, Ahmed Daniyal, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Amir Khan, Akif Javed
England Lions
Will Smeed, James Rew (wk), Asa Tribe, James Coles, Dan Mousley, Calvin Harrison, Matthew Revis, Matthew Potts, Saqib Mahmood, Sonny Baker, Mitchell Stanley
Final playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.
Key Players to Watch
Pakistan A
- Shamyl Hussain – Captain expected to lead from the front
- Abdul Samad – Important middle-order batter
- Sufiyan Muqeem – Spinner who can control middle overs
England Lions
- Calvin Harrison – Effective spinner on turning tracks
- Matthew Potts – Key pace bowler with the new ball
- James Coles – Valuable all-round contributor
Match Prediction – Pakistan A vs England Lions
Both teams have young players eager to impress, but England Lions look slightly stronger due to their balanced bowling attack and recent performance.
Match Prediction Scenarios
| Scenario | Toss Result | Expected Score | Likely Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| England Lions bowl first | PAK-A 210-230 | ENG chase | England Lions |
| Pakistan A bowl first | ENG 230-250 | Defend possible | England Lions |
| Close match scenario | Either team | Around 220 | Tight contest |
England Lions start as slight favorites with around 60% winning probability. Their stronger bowling unit and confident batting lineup give them a small advantage in this series decider.
However, if Pakistan A manage to post a solid total and their spinners perform well, they could still pull off an upset and win the series.









