England vs Pakistan – 2nd T20 International Preview & Prediction
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After the first T20i between these two nations was abandoned due to rain on Wednesday, England and Pakistan will try again here at Edgbaston, with this series now formed of three games.
DATE/TIME: Saturday 25th May 2024, UK – 14:30 / PAKISTAN - 18:30 / INDIA – 19:00 / US EST – 09:30 / US PST – 07:30
VENUE: Edgbaston, Birmingham, England
WEATHER: A dry, warm day is expected with sunny intervals and a gentle breeze that sees temperatures hover between 18c and 19c.
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UNITED KINGDOM – Sky Sports / PAKISTAN – Ten Sports / INDIA - Sony Sports / UNITED STATES - Willow TV / AUSTRALIA - Fox Sports
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UNITED KINGDOM – Sky Go / PAKISTAN – Tapmad
ENGLAND FORM: ONLY THREE GAMES FOR ENGLAND TO PREPARE FOR T20 WORLD CUP
Having not been able to get on the pitch at Headingley, England have a limited amount of time now to iron everything out ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, which is now just around the corner.
LAST FIVE: ALWWL
PAKISTAN FORM: ONLY ONE DEFEAT IN PAKISTAN’S LAST FIVE SCHEDULED FIXTURES
Pakistan’s only loss in recent T20i fixtures came against Ireland in a three-match series, which Babar Azam’s side came back to eventually win 1-2, but they weren’t given the chance to follow that up on Wednesday with the torrential rain.
LAST FIVE: AWWLW
ENGLAND BETTING ANALYSIS
All that we analysed in our preview of the first T20i still applies here and England will be chomping at the bit to get out and play, having not competed in a single T20i as a team since all the way back in 2023. Especially when considering the home atmosphere England enjoy at Edgbaston.
After a false start on Wednesday, Jofra Archer will finally make his return to international cricket here and the right-arm fast pace will be looking to make a big splash. Whilst he may prove expensive across his four-over spell having been out for a long period of time, the pace Archer possess ensures that he remains consistent wicket threat. Invest a small stake in him finishing as England’s top bowler.
Continue to prioritise investing in players with points to prove coming into the T20 World Cup. Liam Livingstone needs to put on a good show at the crease to ensure his place in England’s starting XI next month. The Lancashire star is notoriously powerful, so back him to hit over 1.5 match sixes.
PAKISTAN BETTING ANALYSIS
Since Wednesday’s wash out, Pakistan have named their squad for the ICC T20 World Cup and it’s a strong one, with five fast bowlers selected. Hasan Ali was the unlucky bowler not to be picked and he’ll play no part in this series either.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was starting to hit his straps against Ireland and the left-arm quick looked ominously good with England a tougher challenge. Shaheen has picked up two three-wicket-hauls running heading into this one and backing him to accrue over 1.5 wickets here, is a tempting play.
Wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan also ended the Ireland series well, hitting 75 not out followed by 56 in the deciding match. Opening the batting, Rizwan is expected to play aggressively and make use of the field being mainly inside the circle. Back him to score 30+ runs and over 2.5 match fours.
ENGLAND VS PAKISTAN EXPERT PREDICTION
When assessing both these two teams, there are world class players on each side, although Pakistan have played far more recently than England have, with many of their players out at the IPL leading up to this series.
Although England are clearly desperate to get time out on the field, Pakistan represent a sizeable challenge for them when considering the hosts' lack of cohesion and plans, which can only come with game-time. With that in mind, back Babar's men to pick up the victory.
ENGLAND VS PAKISTAN TIP: PAKISTAN TO WIN
