ENG vs PAK: 1st T20I – International T20 cricket to resume in England

Since the coronavirus stopped international cricket for a prolonged period, we have had six Test matches and three ODIs, all featuring England. The home of cricket will be taking another step in resuming ‘new’ normalcy as England will take on Pakistan in the three-match T20I series which begins today (28th August) in Manchester. Currently occupying the second spot in T20I rankings, Eoin Morgan’s men will face the challenge of beating the fourth-ranked Pakistani side.

Match Info

England vs Pakistan: 1st T20I – 27th August

Old Trafford, Manchester (10:30 PM IST)

Rain intervened in last two Tests of England – Pakistan and the weather forecast does predict precipitation today as well. However, it is expected to rain in the day and the chances of rain go down during the match time. We may have a delayed start.

Head To Head:

Key Facts To Look Out For:

Team News

England:

Eoin Morgan will be leading the experienced side. None from the Test squad are involved in the T20I series. Jason Roy has been ruled of the T20I series and England will need to find a new opening partner for Jonny Bairstow. Tom Banton is the likely candidate. The 21-year old opened against New Zealand in his debut series. Dawid Malan shall replace James Vince in the middle order.

Pakistan:

World’s number one T20I batsman, Babar Azam will be leading the Pakistan T20I team. They have two highly-experienced veterans in Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez. Fast bowler Mohammad Amir will be in action after a break as he has given up red-ball cricket. Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper-batsman, won Pakistan’s player of the series award in the Test matches and the 28-year old will want to continue his form in the shortest format as well.

Probable XI