ENG vs PAK Match Prediction
The cricketing world is abuzz as England gears up to face Pakistan in the first T20I at Leeds on May 22, 2024.
England’s Recent Form: A Mixed Bag
England’s recent T20I performances have been a rollercoaster ride. Their last five matches have seen a mix of victories and defeats, reflecting their inconsistency. They suffered a close loss to the West Indies in the 5th T20I in December 2023, where they were defeated by 4 wickets with just 4 balls remaining. However, they bounced back with a convincing 75-run win in the 4th T20I, showcasing their potential when firing on all cylinders.
The 3rd T20I against the West Indies was a nail-biter, with England cricket team clinching a victory by 7 wickets with just one ball to spare. However, their inconsistency reared its head again in the 2nd T20I, where they lost by 10 runs. The 1st T20I of that series saw the West Indies triumph by 4 wickets, with 11 balls remaining. This up-and-down form will be a concern for England as they prepare to face a formidable Pakistani side.
Pakistan’s Steady Climb
In contrast, Pakistan Cricket Team has shown a more stable performance in their recent T20I outings. Their last five matches include impressive wins against Ireland and New Zealand. In their most recent match, Pakistan defeated Ireland by 6 wickets with 18 balls remaining, demonstrating their dominance and control. They also secured a 7-wicket victory in the 2nd T20I against Ireland, further solidifying their confidence.
However, Pakistan did face a setback in the 1st T20I against Ireland, where they lost by 5 wickets with just one ball remaining. Despite this hiccup, Pakistan’s overall form has been promising.
Key Players to Watch: Top Players Prediction:
Both teams boast a lineup of talented players who could turn the game on its head. For England, Phil Salt and Jos Buttler are the batters to watch. Salt has been in scintillating form, scoring 331 runs in his last 6 matches with an impressive average of 66.2 and a strike rate of 184.91. Buttler, on the other hand, has amassed 254 runs in his last 9 matches, maintaining a solid average of 36.29 and a strike rate of 147.67.
On the bowling front, Adil Rashid and Sam Curran will be key for England. Rashid has taken 13 wickets in his last 10 matches with a commendable economy rate of 7.03, while Curran has 7 wickets in 9 matches, though his economy rate of 9.68 will need to improve.
For Pakistan, the batting duo of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam will be pivotal. Rizwan has been in phenomenal form, scoring 327 runs in his last 8 matches with a staggering average of 109 and a strike rate of 134.01. Babar Azam, with 289 runs in his last 10 matches, also remains a crucial player, maintaining an average of 32.11 and a strike rate of 135.04.
Pakistan’s bowling attack is spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abbas Afridi. Shaheen has been exceptional, taking 20 wickets in his last 9 matches with an economy rate of 7.39, while Abbas Afridi has claimed 11 wickets in 7 matches with an economy rate of 8.98.
Historical Rivalry: Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head record between England and Pakistan in T20Is is evenly matched, adding another layer of excitement to this encounter. In their last five T20I matches, England has the upper hand with three victories, while Pakistan has won two. The most recent match saw England winning by 5 wickets with 6 balls remaining, highlighting the competitive nature of these contests.
Match Prediction: Pakistan to Win
Based on recent performances and key player form, Pakistan seems to have the edge in this encounter. Their consistent performance and strong lineup of batters and bowlers make them favorites to win the 1st T20I against England at Leeds.
