KARACHI: After a disastrous top-order collapse against Eoin Morgan-led England at Lord’s on Sunday, a crucial 7th wicket partnership of 77 runs from 99 balls between Imad Wasim and Sarfraz Ahmed took Pakistan to a respectable total of 251.

England, however, inspired by Joe Root’s 108-ball 89 chased down the total with 15 balls spare to go 2-0 in the five-match series.

Wasim, who later in the day, stood out with two scalps, the most by a Pakistani bowler in an innings, for 38 runs in seven overs, believes that the tourists will come hard in the third One-Day International (ODI) at Nottingham on Tuesday.

Talking to reporters on the eve of the aforementioned contest, Imad said: “We are disheartened by the loss. If we apply our 100 per cent we can be as successful as the Test team,” adding that things are really good in the dressing-room and the team talked about the match.

Pakistan team has come under severe criticism for its mediocre run-rate that sees them post inferior totals as compared to their contemporaries’.

“We were unlucky in the last game as we couldn’t put up a big score… we were three for two in four overs and we ended up scoring 250 which I think is a good score if you are two down for three runs,” Imad said, adding, “We are up for the challenge. Whatever has happened is in the past.”

Speaking about his own performance, the 27-year-old said: “I can win games with the both bat and ball.”

Imad, who boasts a batting average of 52 in nine ODIs, gave Sarfraz a staunch support and took the reins when Sarfraz fell after registering a chance-less 130-ball 105.

Scoring just three in his first 17 balls, Imad plundered 60 runs from the next 53 balls, hitting five fours and a six.

“It’s really good to perform but we ended up being the losing side. If I score 30 runs and we win, I will be very happy. I want our team to win.”

To a question regarding the prospects of England all-rounder Ben Stokes bowling in the third match, Imad said, “He is a great cricketer and a genuine all-rounder,” adding, “his inclusion to any side will make it look stronger”.

Imad stressed on the significance of winning the big contests and did not rule out Pakistan’s chances of making a strong comeback.

“We have to show that in big matches like tomorrow. I believe we can come back. We have to work hard, trust ourselves and show our skills in front of the cameras.”

The left-arm orthodox, who remained wicketless against England in the first ODI at Southampton, has bagged seven wickets, which includes his career best five for 14 against Ireland, in his last three matches.

“I believe in hard work. We're number one and we're really looking forward to putting our rankings up in the one-dayers,” Imad commented on Pakistan’s current number nine ranking in ODI ranking.

The Swansea-born looks forward to the final ODI on Sunday scheduled to be held at Cardiff. “I am looking forward to play in Cardiff. I was born there and raised in Islamabad. I came back to play some league cricket in England and Ireland,” Imad revealed.

“I am a true Pakistani; it is just that I was born in Wales.”