As the first of seven T20Is begins today at Karachi’s National Stadium, Pakistan will be playing with an eye toward next month’s T20 World Cup (Tuesday). Today’s game time is 7 o’clock. England’s first series in India in 17 years and the home team will go all out to win it. The team is still smarting from a humiliating loss to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final in Dubai.
The tourists, who are returning to the country for the first time since 2005, will play three of their seven games at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as Pakistan VS England (September 28, 30, and October 2) and four at the Karachi National Stadium (September 20, 22, and 25).
Each team will benefit from the unprecedented seven-game series as they prepare for the T20 World Cup in Australia. They can practise with several lineups before the big game. As a result of injuries to Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, and Chris Jordan, Pakistan holds a significant advantage over England in this next series.
Pakistan VS England | T20I Match
There was a lot of criticism levelled at Pakistan’s cricket squad after their dismal performance in the Asia Cup. As they lost two games in a row to Sri Lanka. Their top hitters, including Asia Cup batting champion Rizwan, have been striking out too much.
People have voiced their opinion that Pakistan should switch up their batting order, namely the first two batters. Although this may be true, Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam was sure on Monday that he and Rizwan had won numerous games when batting first.
If Pakistan decides to rest Rizwan, they should start the game with Shan Masood, who has been chosen for this series and the T20 World Cup. After a career-defining run with the red and white balls, Shan finally makes his long-awaited return to Pakistan.
Since players like Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah in Pakistan’s middle order haven’t stood out, the middle order has been criticised. Both were retained, although Pakistan will likely start the more offensive Haider Ali in the starting lineup.
All four of Mohammad Naseem Shah, Harris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Mohammad Nawaz should take turns bowling. Pakistan could start leg-spinner Usman Qadir, if they decide to rest Shadab. From the English side, all eyes would be on Alex Hales, enjoying a remarkable renaissance.
One-two punch Hales returns to military service three years later. There hasn’t been much focus on Hales from England since he tested positive for recreational drugs before the 2019 World Cup.
We expect a strong turnout to see Hales and Phil Salt perform as the openers tonight. Middle-order stalwarts Dawid Malan and Harry Brook are both familiar with the conditions in Pakistan, thanks to their success in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Expected Playing XI
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Babar Azam (captain), Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Haider Ali/Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz. Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain.
England: Phil Salt, Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Harry Brook. Moeen Ali (captain), Ben Duckett (wicketkeeper), Sam Curran, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley, Mark Wood.
