ENG vs PAK: 1st T20I Dream11 Predictions, Fantasy Tips, Teams, Pitch Report & Top Picks

ENG vs PAK, T20I Series: Dream11 Prediction for the 1st T20I [X]

With the 2024 T20 World Cup knocking at the door, the international sides are vying for opportunities to test their strengths. For the same reason, England and Pakistan will square off against one another in the first T20I. The match is set to be staged at Headingley, Leeds, and is slated to begin at 11:00 PM IST on May 22. 

Ahead of this clash, let us quickly go through the dream11 predictions, fantasy tips, teams, pitch report & top picks.

ENG vs PAK Head-to-Head Stats

Both nations have clashed against one another in 29 matches and one game ended up as rain affected. England have won 19 matches while Pakistan have managed to edge past their counterparts on nine occasions only.

ENG vs PAK Pitch Report

The surface at Headingley has something for the pacers with the new ball. But the surface is generally conducive to the batters with decent assistance for the spinners. If the pitch has received sunshine in the past couple of days, the surface shall assist the spinners a little more than it does.

Headingley Ground Stats

Total Matches: 2
Matches won batting first: 2
Matches won bowling first: 0
Average 1st innings Score: 188
Average 2nd innings Score: 148
Highest total recorded: 200/10 By ENG vs PAK
Lowest total recorded: 176/10 By ENGW vs PAKW

Fantasy value from the pitch

•  The bounce in the surface is true and the batters can enjoy once settled. 
• Spinners get moderate turn here.
• The pacers may get early movement with the new ball for the majority of the powerplay phase.

ENG vs PAK Fantasy Cricket Tips

ENG Heavy Fantasy XI

Phil Salt, an in-form hitter, might be the English team's X-Factor. Will Jacks, Jonny Bairstow, and Jos Buttler all had inconsistent performances in the IPL. While Sam Curran's all-round talent will be vital, Adil Rashid and Jofra Archer will be looking to get back into the format after a long absence.

PAK Heavy Fantasy XI

Pakistan have a formidable top-order batting which includes Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman. The bowling unit will be spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi while Iftikhar Ahmad and Shadab Khan will be indispensable with both bat and ball.

ENG vs PAK Winner Prediction

The Three Lions are more used to the conditions in Birmingham and hence are expected to come out on top against a Pakistan side that hasn't been promising in their recent bilateral clashes against Ireland and New Zealand.

ENG vs PAK Top Player Picks

Phil Salt (ENG): The wicketkeeper-batter had an outstanding time with the willow and behind the stumps for the Kolkata Knight Riders. He smashed over 400 runs and had been attacking inside the powerplay. It won't be surprising to see him transcend the IPL form in national colours.

Sam Curran (ENG): A candidate equally good with the bat and ball, Sam Curran can be one of the match-winners for his side. The all-rounder had a mixed IPL season with the Punjab Kings but has matured after leading the side in a big stage. He also has a good slower one that can perplex the opposition batter.

Mohammad Rizwan (PAK): The 32-year-old is one of the bankable batters in the Pakistan line-up. He played some fascinating knocks against Ireland recently and has the ability to read situation and adapt to conditions. 

Shaheen Afridi (PAK): The left-arm quick has been in brilliant form with the ball. Despite conceding runs against Ireland, he scalped seven wickets at a bowling average of 12.71. Shaheen is terrific with the new ball and can capitalise on English conditions.

ENG vs PAK Differential Picks

Iftikhar Ahmad (PAK): The 33-year-old has been a revelation for the Men in Green in the shorter format when it comes to finishing games. He has stitched some useful cameos quite often in recent times. Iftikhar has been effective with his finger spin as well.

Adil Rashid (ENG): The wrist spinner has developed his game to a great level and was one of the underrated gems in England's T20 triumph in 2022. Adil Rashid has a deceptive wrong'un that is not a lot of players may find struggling in Leeds. 

ENG vs PAK Fantasy Expert Advice

 As per the combination of the teams, a fantasy line-up of 3-3-3-2 or 3-2-3-3 should yield desired results.

ENG vs PAK Fantasy Team for Head-to-Head/ Small Leagues

Wicketkeeper: Mohammad Rizwan, Phil Salt, Jos Buttler
Batters: Harry Brook, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam
All-rounders: Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Iftikhar Ahmad
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Adil Rashid

Captain: Sam Curran
Vice-captain: Mohammad Rizwan

Players- PAK: 5 ENG: 6

ENG vs PAK for Winner Takes All/ Grand Leagues

Wicketkeeper: Mohammad Rizwan, Phil Salt, Jonny Bairstow
Batters: Harry Brook, Saim Ayub
All-rounders: Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Iftikhar Ahmad, Shadab Khan
Bowlers: Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Adil Rashid

Captain: Phil Salt
Vice-captain: Adil Rashid

Players- PAK: 6 ENG: 5