The cricketing world is buzzing with anticipation as arch-rivals Pakistan and England gear up for an electrifying T20 series on English soil. This series holds immense significance, serving as the final dress rehearsal for both teams before they embark on their T20 World Cup campaigns in the West Indies and USA, starting June 2nd in Dallas.
Both teams have announced full-strength squads, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to leaving no stone unturned in their quest for World Cup glory. England, in a bold move, has recalled their star players from the IPL, prioritizing international duty and ensuring they have their best XI ready to face the formidable Pakistani challenge.
For Pakistan, this series presents a golden opportunity to fine-tune their combinations, assess player form, and finalize their strategies against a top-tier opponent, building on their recent 2-1 series victory over Ireland in a three-match T20 International series. The win showcased Pakistan’s resilience and ability to perform in diverse conditions, boosting their confidence ahead of this crucial series against England. On the other hand, England will be looking to iron out any weaknesses and gain crucial momentum heading into the World Cup, aiming to reassert their dominance in the T20 format on their home turf.
The series promises to be a riveting contest, with a plethora of exciting matchups in store. Fans can expect fireworks from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for Pakistan, while Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow will aim to lead England’s charge. The battle between the two bowling attacks, featuring the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Jofra Archer, and Mark Wood, is sure to be a highlight.
While both teams enter the series with high hopes, they also face certain challenges. Pakistan will need to quickly acclimatize to English conditions, which can be vastly different from their home turf. England, meanwhile, must ensure that their IPL stars seamlessly integrate into the team’s dynamics.
As the series unfolds, fans can expect an enthralling display of skill, passion, and fierce competition. This is a golden opportunity for cricket enthusiasts to witness two cricketing giants clash in what promises to be a thrilling prelude to the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan vs England 4 T20I schedule as follow
- 1st T20I: May 22, Wednesday at 10:30 PM
- 2nd T20I: May 25, Saturday at 6:30 PM
- 3rd T20I: May 28, Tuesday at 10:30 PM
- 4th T20I: May 30, Thursday at 10:30 PM
Full Squads
- Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Azam Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
- England: Jos Buttler (captain), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood.
This series carries extra weight as both teams are placed in contrasting groups for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Pakistan finds themselves in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, Ireland, Canada, and the host nation, USA. Their World Cup journey kicks off on June 6th with a clash against the USA.
Whereas, England has been drawn into Group B, where they will face Australia, Namibia, Oman, and Scotland. Their campaign commences on June 4th against Scotland.