England facing second series defeat

Kamran Akmal's top-order runs have enabled Pakistan to take a 2-1 series lead © Getty Images

After the manner of their record one-day defeat on Thursday, England will probably be thankful that they have a few days to lick their wounds before the fourth match in the five-match series in Rawalpindi on Monday. But though the series - with Pakistan leading 2-1 - is still up for grabs, the very manner of their defeat will be desperately tough for Marcus Trescothick and co to overcome, with many of the team no doubt thinking about getting home for Christmas.

Pakistan, with their tails up after back-to-back wins, are now 1-8 (1.12) to win the series, while England are 9/2 (5.50) to produce a turnaround and take both matches in Rawalpindi.

If the task wasn't tough already, going to Rawalpindi makes it even more difficult for England as Pakistan have won 11 of the 14 one-day internationals to have been played there. The only time the two sides have met there, in 2000/2001, Pakistan cruised to a six-wicket triumph as England were skittled for just 158. And for the record, Pakistan have now won nine of their past 10 one-day internationals on all grounds.