PAK vs ENG: Preview
PAK vs ENG: With a seven-match Twenty20 International series beginning on Tuesday (September 20) in Karachi, England will be looking to get off to a good start as they belatedly resume bilateral ties in Pakistan after 17 long years. Despite the absence of several high-profile players, England will be looking to make a positive start.
Seven games in a bilateral agreement aren’t considered a luxury anymore, and may even be unheard of. Or it could be an overcompensation, as it is in this case, in response to the unexpected withdrawal of England from participating in this trip the previous year. In spite of this, it affords both of these teams a prolonged opportunity to hone their strategies for the Twenty20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin in Australia the following month.
PAK vs ENG: Injury takes a toll on the English squad
On the other hand, England might not benefit from anything at all. Liam Livingstone, Ben Stokes, Chris Jordan, and Jonny Bairstow are just some of the visitors’ first-choice players who are now recuperating from injuries or relaxing back home in preparation for the World Cup. As a result, the visitors were compelled to name a reshuffled squad.
Among those who have made it, Captain Jos Buttler will be forced to stay in the dressing room at least through the Karachi leg of the series as he continues to treat the calf injury he sustained during the Hundred.
Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, who have both already been selected for the World Cup squad, are both making their way back from injuries and will likely be used cautiously so as not to worsen their conditions.
However, the focus of attention will be on Alex Hales’s comeback, as he has been deemed worthy of a recall after spending more than three years in exile. Hales would replace Jason Roy as the opening batsman in the XI if he were to be selected.
PAK vs ENG: Pakistan is presented with an opportunity to experiment
This presents Pakistan with the chance to try out some new batting options for their team. They had been let down in the Asia Cup opener against India because of a fragile — read: largely untested — middle-order and the 2021 semifinalists would want to fix that deficiency.
Shan Masood has earned a debut opportunity in the shortest format after having a breakthrough domestic season as well as having a successful English summer. At the same time, Haider Ali, who was selected for the World Cup, would also be in line for some game time at some point during the course of these seven games.
PAK vs ENG: Match details
When: Tuesday, September 20 at 7.30 PM
Where: National Stadium, Karachi
What to anticipate: Temperatures in the low 30s and a clear sky characterize the day. Humidity levels are high. Over 400 runs were scored in the most recent Twenty20 International that was played at this venue.
PAK vs ENG: Team Updates
Pakistan
Both Mohammad Harris and Masood could have a shot in the top three if the hosts elect to rest Mohammad Rizwan for at least the first leg of the match. This is especially true considering that Fakhar Zaman’s injury has provided an additional opening in the top three.
England
Hales, who was recalled, will take over as the game’s opener. As Buttler continues to make progress in his recuperation, it has been decided that Moeen Ali will captain the side, and Phil Salt may take over keeping duties.
PAK vs ENG: Probable Playing XI
Pakistan
Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shan Masood, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shahnawaz Dahani/Mohammad Hasnain
England
Will Jacks, Moeen Ali (C), Sam Curran, Chris Wokaes, Alex Hales, Phil Salt (wk), Dawid Malan, Harry Brook, Adil Rashid, Richard Gleeson, Mark Wood/Reece Topley
