The ICC T20 World Cup 2024, set in the USA and West Indies, draws nearer with each passing day and week. Some countries have commenced their practice sessions, while players from other nations are actively participating in leagues around the world.
In a bid to prepare for the ICC World Cup, England is gearing up to host Pakistan in a four-match T20 series. The first T20I will take place in Leeds, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting series.
In their recent T20 international series, the English team squared off against the West Indies in a five-match bilateral tournament hosted in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, the series didn’t conclude on a high note for either side, as they both battled fiercely, ultimately resulting in a narrow 3-2 defeat for England. Their final T20I saw them fall short, losing by four wickets to the West Indies.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has maintained their winning momentum despite encountering a few setbacks. In their recent series against Ireland, although they stumbled in the opening game of the three-match T20I series, they bounced back emphatically to clinch the series 2-1. Their latest victory saw them dominate, securing a six-wicket win with 18 balls to spare in the final match.
What has happened so far?
After winning the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup, England struggled, drawing one series 2-2 with New Zealand and losing the other 3-2.
Jos Buttler and Co. made a scintillating start with two convincing wins against New Zealand. However, the Blackcaps made a roaring comeback with two consecutive wins levelling the series 2-2.
West Indies vs England T20 series proved to be a gruelling contest. The former picked up wins in the first two games before England came back to level the series 2-2. In the final encounter, it was West Indies, who got the better of their opposition.
On the other hand, Pakistan have showcased dominance in their recent T20 series. They secured a 2-1 victory against Ireland in their last series. Ireland stunned Pakistan with a five-wicket win in their opening encounter but the visitors fought back brilliantly to win their next two matches.
Preceding their clash with Ireland, they squared off against New Zealand, concluding with a 2-2 draw.
Head to Head Record
In their T20 cricketing history, England and Pakistan have crossed paths 29 times. Among these encounters, England has asserted its dominance, emerging victorious in 19 matches while Pakistan has secured victories in just nine games.
In their latest showdown, the final of the T20 World Cup 2022 held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, England once again asserted their superiority, clinching a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan to claim the coveted title.
Key Players
Phil Salt is likely to open the innings for the England team in the first T20I against Pakistan
Phil Salt (England): Phil Salt, drafted as a replacement player, made a significant impact on Kolkata Knight Riders’ successful campaign in the tournament. Accumulating 435 runs from 12 innings for the side, he showcased an impressive strike rate of 182.01.
Moreover, in England’s recent T20 outings, Salt emerged as the top run-scorer for the team. Over six games, he amassed 331 runs at an impressive average of 66.2 and a striking rate of 184.91.
Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan): For Pakistan, the success of their campaign hinges on the performance of their top-order batters, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been the backbone of the team.
Rizwan, in particular, has been in sublime form, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s fortunes. Over the past eight games, he has amassed 327 runs at a strike rate of 134, with an impressive average of 109. In his last T20I innings, Rizwan showcased his class by scoring 56 runs from just 38 deliveries as his partnership with Azam proved pivotal in guiding Pakistan to victory, clinching the series in the process.
Predicted XIs
England: Jos Buttler ©, Phil Salt (wk), Will Jacks, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Chris Jordan
Pakistan: Babar Azam ©, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmad, Haris Rauf
Prediction
The English Cricket Board has pulled all players from the Indian Premier League to gear up for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup while Pakistani players have been touring various countries to bolster their performance ahead of the campaign. We anticipate a high-scoring game with England holding the home advantage.