Babar Azam, Jos Buttler having a chat (X.com)
The four-match T20I series between Pakistan and England will get underway on Wednesday (May 22) in Leeds. This has been a much-anticipated series of two of the game's heavyweights, which will be crucial for both side's preparations for the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to take place in the USA and the West Indies.
PAK Vs ENG: Team Previews
Pakistan
Under Babar Azam, Pakistan just had a three-match T20I series in Ireland, in which captain himself led by example to avoid humiliation in the decider. Before that, they hosted a second-string New Zealand side, which they tied 2-2 after rain ruined the series opener.
The Men in Green have quite a few options in their unit, particularly since Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim have been back to the mix. They have the likes of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman as well, who can tear the opposition apart in their best days.
In addition, Shaheen Afridi's recent form has been a major boost for Pakistan. The ace speedster, who has been sacked as Pakistan's T20I captain after a very short period, was not at his best until his recent heroics in Ireland have helped him regain the confidence.
England
After blistering shows in IPL 2024, star England players, such as Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, and Liam Livingstone, among others, have returned to their homeland to be ready for the World Cup. Mind you, they are the defending champions, and it was Pakistan only whom they defeated in the final to lift the trophy.
With Salt's resurgence, it will be interesting to see how England set up their playing XI. They have plenty of options, and that's undoubtedly a 'good headache' for Buttler and the rest of the think tank.
Interestingly, England have kept Jofra Archer in the squad, and this will be an acid test for the forgotten hero to keep his chances on a regular basis at the mega event.
PAK Vs ENG: Match details & Live Streaming
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | May 22, 11:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Headingley, Leeds |
| Live broadcast & Streaming | Sony Sports Network, Fancode Sony LIV app and website |
PAK Vs ENG: Headingley Pitch Report
Leeds' Headingley pitches are a paradise for fast bowlers, as they extract a lot of bounce from this surface. However, with the average first-innings T20 total at this venue reading 181, this shows balls come to the bat nicely here, making it an ideal track for a 20-over contest.
PAK Vs ENG: Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Azam Khan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir
England: Jos Buttler (c), Phil Salt (wk), Will Jacks, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Reece Topley
PAK Vs ENG: Fantoss Fantasy Tips
| Roles | Players |
|---|---|
| Wicket-keepers | Jos Buttler, Mohammad Rizwan, Phil Salt |
| Batters | Babar Azam, Will Jacks |
| All-rounders | Sam Curran, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim |
| Bowlers | Mark Wood, Shaheen Afridi, Reece Topley |
| Captain | Will Jacks |
| Vice-Captain | Jos Buttler |
PAK Vs ENG: Winner prediction
Even though both sides are equally strong on paper, expect England to win this fixture to take a 1-0 lead in this series. Most of them were in stupendous form in IPL 2024, and that should help them to emerge victorious.
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.jpg?type=mq "Headingley Leeds Weather Report For PAK vs ENG 1st T20I Match")