PAK vs ENG, 2nd Test: Preview, Prediction and Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

England cricket team in Rawalpindi | Source: Twitter

After being stunned by England in the first Test at Rawalpindi, Babar Azam-led Pakistan will look to draw level in the three-match Test series when they take on Ben Stokes and Co. at Multan Cricket Stadium on Thursday, December 9. 

Pakistan was blown away in the previous contest by the visitors, who seemed to read the playing conditions better than the home team. The English bowlers were extraordinary with their line and lengths as they reaped the rewards of collective endeavour and brought the hosts to their knees. 

The English batters were no less as they sent the Pakistan bowling line-up on the leather hunt with Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook doing major damage. The likes of Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Will Jacks also chipped in with valuable contributions and would be keen to wrap up the series in Multan. 

As for Pakistan, Babar Azam and Co. failed to pose any serious threat to England in the opening test and will be eyeing a better show considering the series is at stake. While the visitors will look to take an unassailable lead, the hosts will be eager to put the previous loss behind them and try to level the series, which isn't going to be an easy task against the roaring Three Lions. 

Match Details

• Venue: Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan
• Date and Time: 9 Dec - 13 Dec, 10.30 AM IST
• Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV App 

Pitch Report

Although a good batting surface is expected in Multan, there should be something in the pitch to keep the bowlers engaged. Both teams will look to bat first upon winning the toss and make good use of the conditions up front, with the average first-innings score being 344 runs here. 

Predicted Playing XI

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (wk), Harry Brook, Joe Root, Ben Stokes (captain), Will Jacks, Ollie Robinson, Ben Foakes, James Anderson, Jack Leach

Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (captain), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Agha Salman/Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Zahid Mahmood, Mohammad Ali

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips 

Wicket-Keepers: Mohammad Rizwan, Ollie Pope

Batters: Joe Root, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Zak Crawley, Harry Brook

All-Rounder: Ben Stokes

Bowlers: James Anderson, Naseem Shah, Ollie Robinson

Captain: Harry Brook

Vice-Captain: Babar Azam 

Match Prediction 

Although Pakistan comes into the game on the back of a massive loss, the hosts will start as slight favourites in what promises to be an exciting five days contest at Multan.