The highly anticipated T20I series between England and Pakistan is set to begin today, 22nd May, at Headingley, Leeds. This four-match series promises to be an exciting showdown as both teams come off significant performances, with Pakistan recently clinching a series victory against Ireland and England’s players returning from the IPL to bolster their squad.
Match Schedule and Timings
When is the First T20I Match?
The first T20I match of the series between England and Pakistan will take place on 22nd May.
Where is the First T20I Match Being Held?
The first T20I match will be held at Headingley, Leeds, a venue known for its electrifying atmosphere and high-scoring games.
What Time Does the Match Start in India?
For fans in India, the match is scheduled to begin at 11 PM IST. This late-night slot ensures that cricket enthusiasts can enjoy the game after their day’s activities.
Series Schedule
- 1st T20I: 22nd May, Headingley, Leeds
- 2nd T20I: 25th May, Edgbaston, Birmingham
- 3rd T20I: 28th May, Trent Bridge, Nottingham
- 4th T20I: 30th May, The Oval, London
Broadcast and Live Streaming Details
Television Broadcast
Unfortunately, the live telecast of the England vs Pakistan T20I series will not be available on television in India. This decision has left many fans looking for alternative ways to catch the live action.
Live Streaming
Fans can watch the live streaming of the England vs Pakistan 1st T20I on the Fancode app. This platform provides a seamless streaming experience, ensuring that fans do not miss a single ball of the match.
Team Squads
England Squad
- Jos Buttler (captain)
- Moeen Ali
- Jofra Archer
- Jonny Bairstow
- Harry Brook
- Sam Curran
- Ben Duckett
- Tom Hartley
- Will Jacques
- Chris Jordan
- Liam Livingstone
- Adil Rashid
- Phil Salt (wicketkeeper)
- Reece Topley
- Mark Wood
Pakistan Squad
- Babar Azam (captain)
- Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper)
- Saim Ayub
- Fakhar Zaman
- Irfan Khan
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Usman Khan (wicketkeeper)
- Azam Khan (wicketkeeper)
- Shadab Khan
- Imad Wasim
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Mohammad Amir
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Abbas Afridi
- Abrar Ahmed
- Hasan Ali
- Salman Ali Agha
Key Players to Watch
England
Jofra Archer returns to the England squad, adding a significant boost to their bowling attack. Known for his pace and accuracy, Archer’s presence is likely to make a considerable impact.
Harry Brook and David Malan are the batsmen to watch out for. Both have shown exceptional form in recent matches and are expected to be key players in dismantling Pakistan’s bowling lineup.
Pakistan
Babar Azam, the captain and one of the most consistent performers in T20 cricket, will be crucial for Pakistan. His leadership and batting prowess will be central to Pakistan’s success.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, with his lethal left-arm pace, will be a major threat to England’s top order. His ability to swing the ball both ways makes him a formidable opponent.
Recent Form
England
England’s players have returned from the IPL, bringing with them a wealth of experience from playing against some of the best cricketers in the world. This experience is expected to translate into strong performances in the series against Pakistan.
Pakistan
Coming off a series victory against Ireland, Pakistan is in high spirits. They won the three-match T20 series 2-1, demonstrating their strong form and resilience. This momentum will be crucial as they face a formidable England side on their home turf.
Match Preview and Expectations
The first T20I at Headingley is set to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have strong batting and bowling lineups, making it a well-balanced contest. England’s strength lies in their explosive batting and a deep lineup that can chase down or set high totals. Pakistan, on the other hand, boasts a versatile bowling attack led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and backed by seasoned all-rounders like Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim.
Weather and Pitch Conditions
The weather in Leeds is expected to be favorable for cricket, with clear skies and a gentle breeze. The pitch at Headingley typically offers good bounce and pace, favoring fast bowlers early on. However, as the match progresses, batsmen can take advantage of the true bounce to play their shots freely.
Strategies and Game Plan
England
England’s strategy will likely focus on leveraging their aggressive batting lineup. With players like Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow at the top, they will aim to set a high tempo right from the start. In bowling, the return of Jofra Archer adds a new dimension, and his opening spell will be crucial.
Pakistan
Pakistan will aim to build their innings around Babar Azam’s consistency and Fakhar Zaman’s explosiveness. Their middle order, with players like Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Rizwan, provides stability and finishing power. Bowling will be spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi, with the support of spinners Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim to control the middle overs.
The England vs Pakistan T20I series promises to deliver high-quality cricket, with both teams looking to assert their dominance. Fans can catch all the live action on the Fancode app, ensuring they don’t miss any of the thrilling moments. As both teams take the field at Headingley, cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be eagerly watching to see who comes out on top in this exciting series opener.
