KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4: Pakistan team facing an uphill task to qualify for next year’s Championship Trophy as they take on England in their do or die encounter on Wednesday.

Pakistan made things difficult for themselves when they played a 2-2 draw against Malaysia on Monday after securing 2-0 lead at the breather. This way two points slipped off Pakistan’s hands which drastically reduced their chances to qualify for the next year’s event.

With two difficult matches to come against the Netherlands and Korea, Pakistan must beat Britain today.

Pakistan are currently at fifth position in the eight-team tournament with four points from one win, two defeats and one draw followed by England at sixth spot.

Britain were included in the championship after it was increased to eight teams instead of six.

The English team have shown improvement after suffering defeats against the Netherlands and Germany. They defeated Malaysia 3-2.

The Pakistan team have to concentrate on attack instead of defence which has cost them dearly.

Forwards Waqas Sharif, Abbas Hyder and Shabbir Ahmed Khan have so far excelled with experienced Akhtar Ali in the championship. However, Shakeel Abbasi looked off-colour.

Pakistan badly need to stay in 2008 Champions Trophy as it will provide them good exposure to prepare themselves for the Beijing Olympics.

Wednesday’s fixtures:

Pakistan v Great Britain; Germany v the Netherlands; Australia v Spain; Malaysia v Korea.—APP