Pakistan vs. England: Exciting T20I Series Kickoff Today
The series is seen as a litmus test for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.
The four-match T20I series between Pakistan and England is set to begin today. Both teams are gearing up for this critical series, which will serve as a litmus test ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Pakistan enters the series with a strong and experienced squad. Key players include captain Babar Azam, fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, and the returning Mohammad Amir. The team is buoyed by a recent 2-1 series win against Ireland and a hard-fought 2-2 draw against New Zealand.
The batting lineup looks formidable with Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Iftikhar Ahmed, all capable of delivering match-winning performances. Shaheen Afridi's recent form has been a significant boost, adding to the team’s confidence.
Photo: Online
England also boasts a powerful lineup featuring several prominent stars who have been in top form during the IPL 2024. Players like Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, and Moeen Ali are back and ready to take on Pakistan.
Photo: Times Now
One of the highlights for England is the return of pacer Jofra Archer, who is making a comeback after a 14-month hiatus. His inclusion adds further depth to an already impressive squad.
Both teams view this series as an essential preparation for the T20 World Cup 2024, which will take place in the West Indies and the USA. The series offers a final opportunity to fine-tune strategies and assess player form before the global tournament.
Key Players to Watch
Pakistan: Babar Azam’s leadership and batting prowess, Shaheen Afridi’s bowling form, and the potential impact of Mohammad Amir.
England: The explosive batting of Jos Buttler, the all-round capabilities of Sam Curran, and the return of Jofra Archer.
Expected Playing XI
Pakistan: 1 Mohammad Rizwan, 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Babar Azam (capt), 4 Fakhar Zaman, 5 Azam Khan (wk), 6 Iftikhar Ahmed/Shadab Khan, 7 Imad Wasim, 8 Shaheen Afridi, 9 Haris Rauf, 10 Mohammad Amir, 11 Naseem Shah
England: 1 Jos Buttler (capt & wk), 2 Phil Salt, 3 Will Jacks, 4 Jonny Bairstow, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Moeen Ali, 7 Sam Curran, 8 Chris Jordan, 9 Jofra Archer, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Reece Topley
Stats and Trivia
- England won more T20I games at the 2022 World Cup (5) than they have in the 18 months since (4).
- Babar Azam has 46 wins as T20I captain, more than any other international captain.
- Both captains are close to approaching personal batting milestones. Babar is 45 runs away from becoming the second player to 4000 T20I runs, while 73 more would see Buttler become the first Englishman to 3000.
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