The four-match T20 series between Pakistan and England is starting from May 22, today. This series will be beneficial for both teams in the preparations for the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup 2024. The T20 World Cup is scheduled in the USA (United States of America) and West Indies from June 1 to June 29.
Pakistan has recently clinched the series against Ireland by 2-1 thanks to excellent batting by captain Babar Azam. In the final match of the series, Babar Azam scored 75 runs out of 42 balls which helped Pakistan to secure victory.
Key Players:
Pakistan have many options in their batting and bowling lineup, especially after the return of Hassan Ali, Imad Wasim, and Muhammad Amir to the national team.
In the batting lineup, batters like Saim Ayub, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, and Iftikhar Ahmed can dismantle the bowling line of other teams.
Former captain Shaheen Afridi who recently performed extraordinary against Ireland and New Zealand is also in form to put opponents in trouble.
On the other hand, England have many stars in their lineup like Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Moeen Ali, and Sam Curran who recently returned from the Indian Premier League (IPL). In IPL they delivered their best performances.
Here are probable lineups in the first T20 of both teams:
Pakistan playing XI:
Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Azam Khan (wicket-keeper), Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Muhammad Amir
England playing XI:
Jos Buttler (Captain), Phil Salt (wicket-keeper), Will Jacks, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Reece Topley
Head to Head:
On 29 occasions Pakistan face England in T20 format. England has defeated Pakistan 19 out of 29 matches while Pakistan emerged victorious in 9 games, one match has ended with no result.
Live Steaming:
The Pak-Eng series will be streamed on Sony Sports Network, the Sony LIV app, and its website in India. In Pakistan, A Sports will telecast the series while it will be live-streamed on Tapmad.
Match details:
The 1st T20 match between Pakistan and England will be played at Yorkshire Cricket Ground at 10:30 pm (PKT).
Predictions:
Both teams will play with their full-strength squads so it is impossible to predict the winner before the match but depending on the Pakistan team batting in previous matches against Ireland, Pakistan can clinch the first T20 game.
Probable Scenarios:
Scenario 1:
Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first
1-6 overs: 45-55 runs
First inning total: 175-185
Pakistan won the match
Scenario 2:
Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl first
1-6 overs: 50-55 runs
First-inning Total: 170-180
Pakistan won the match
