The much-anticipated four-match T20I series between Pakistan and England is set to begin on May 22 in Leeds. This series is crucial for both teams as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2024, which will take place in the USA and the West Indies in June.
Pakistan arrives with confidence, having recently secured a 2-1 series win against Ireland. In the final match, captain Babar Azam led his team to victory with a brilliant 75 runs off 42 balls. Before that, Pakistan hosted a series against a second-string New Zealand team, which ended in a 2-2 draw after rain affected the first game.
The Pakistani squad is packed with talent, especially with the return of key players like Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, and Imad Wasim. This gives Pakistan multiple strong options for their playing XI. Their batting lineup is particularly powerful, featuring players like Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Iftikhar Ahmed, who can turn a game around on their best days.
A significant boost for Pakistan is the recent form of Shaheen Afridi. Although he had a brief and challenging stint as Pakistan’s T20I captain, his performances against New Zealand and Ireland have helped him regain his confidence. His presence will be vital for Pakistan’s bowling attack.
The predicted playing XI for Pakistan in the first T20I against England includes:
- Saim Ayub: A promising young talent, expected to open the batting.
- Mohammad Rizwan: The reliable wicketkeeper-batsman, likely to provide stability at the top.
- Babar Azam (c): The captain and star batsman, who is in excellent form.
- Fakhar Zaman: Known for his explosive batting, capable of taking the game away from the opposition.
- Shadab Khan: A versatile all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball.
- Azam Khan (wk): Another wicketkeeper-batsman, known for his powerful hitting.
- Iftikhar Ahmed: A middle-order batsman, capable of finishing games.
- Imad Wasim: A seasoned all-rounder, offering experience and balance to the team.
- Shaheen Afridi: The ace fast bowler, leading the bowling attack.
- Naseem Shah: A young and fast bowler, adding pace to the attack.
- Mohammad Amir: The experienced pacer, returning to strengthen the bowling lineup.
This lineup offers a mix of youth and experience, with strong batting and bowling options. The return of key players and the recent form of their star performers give Pakistan a competitive edge.
As Pakistan takes on England, fans eagerly await to see how this lineup performs. The series promises to be an exciting contest, setting the stage for both teams as they gear up for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
