England will be looking to host their 2nd T20 match against Pakistan on May 25th, 2024, at the Edgbaston. After the first match getting abandoned without a single ball player, this match is poised to be an exhilarating game of Cricket. Both teams will be looking to make their mark as they look to head to the T20 World Cup Final with a series win. England has a good record in the Edgbaston with 3 wins out of 5.
This match promises to be another nail-biter, with each team eager to prove themselves. Will England be caught off in their own backyard or will Pakistan crumble in away pressure.
England Cricket Team Preview
Following the dismissal of the 1st T20I, England will be desperate to show their home dominance and take on Pakistan in the 2nd match of the series. While their form before the series hasn’t been ideal, a couple of players emerged as bright spots, and their performance will be crucial once again.
Salt, the 27-year-old opener, has become one of the most influential players in England’s recent struggles. Looking at his last 9 T20I matches, he has collected an impressive 404 runs at a staggering average of 50.50. His dominant performance against West Indies included a match-winning knock, showcasing his ability to build a strong foundation for the English innings. However, replicating this success against a powerful Pakistani bowling attack remains to be seen.
Adil Rashid, also displayed glimpses of brilliance in the West Indies series. In his last 10 matches, he has bagged 13 wickets at an average of 20.53. His ability to restrict the flow of runs in the middle overs with his spin bowling is a valuable asset for England, especially against a Pakistan batting lineup that can struggle against quality spin.
England Cricket Team Predicted XI: Phil Salt (wk), Jos Buttler (c), Jonny Bairstow, Ben Duckett, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley.
Pakistan Cricket Team Preview
Pakistan strives to regroup and strike back in the 2nd T20I against England. Their recent T20I form has been inconsistent, with flashes of brilliance overshadowed by middle-order woes. However, key players have the potential to turn the tide.
Pakistan’s batting line-up heavily relies on the ever-reliable Babar Azam. While their recent performances haven’t been entirely convincing, Azam’s talent remains undeniable. Analyzing their past encounters wouldn’t be a true reflection of his current form, as he often steps up in crucial moments. The key for Pakistan lies in providing Babar with a solid platform and consistent support from the middle order. Players like Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman need to find their rhythm and contribute alongside their captain.
Shaheen Shah Afridi has been a bright spark in Pakistan’s bowling attack. Looking at his last 10 T20 matches, he has managed to take 21 wickets with a bowling average of 12.66. Staggering numbers really! His fiery pace and swing bowling can dismantle any batting lineup early on. However, maintaining this consistency and adapting his strategies throughout the innings will be key for Pakistan’s bowling success, especially against a strong English batting lineup.
Pakistan Predicted XI: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Nawaz.
England VS Pakistan Head to Head in T20s
England holds a slight edge in recent T20I mat`chups against Pakistan, having secured victories in the 2022 World Cup final and the preceding series. However, Pakistan shouldn’t be underestimated. They emerged victorious in the two encounters before that, with both wins decided by fine margins (6 and 3 runs). These close finishes highlight the fierce competitiveness of these recent clashes.
Despite England boasting a slight statistical advantage, these matches have historically been nail-biters. The upcoming T20I also promises to be a great battle, with the victor ultimately determined by the team that performs better on the day.
England VS Pakistan Weather and Pitch Conditions
Just like the first T20I in Leeds, the highly anticipated encounter between England and Pakistan in Birmingham on May 25th faces a potential downpour. While a few passing showers might seem like a minor inconvenience, they can significantly disrupt the momentum of the game.
The toss, therefore, becomes a critical call once again. The captain who wins will likely opt to bat first, aiming to put up a substantial total before the rains come. The Duckworth-Lewis method (D/L) comes into play if rain disrupts an innings, and having a strong score to defend under these circumstances can be a game-changer.
Edgbaston is known for high scoring first innings. The last two matches here had a first innings score of 200 and 170 respectively with both teams winning batting first. The same can happen in this game. The weather might play a role though. Barring any rain interruptions, predictions hover around a range of 160-180 runs for the first innings, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
England VS Pakistan Betting Odds
England 1.44 – 2.75 Pakistan
Betting Tip: England VS Pakistan Winning Prediction
Predicting the winner of the 2nd T20I is a close call. While England holds a slight edge as the home team and boasts in-form players like Phil Salt and Adil Rashid, Pakistan’s bowling attack, headed by Shaheen Shah Afridi, cannot be underestimated. Their recent head-to-head record showcases this close rivalry, with two out of the last five encounters decided by a whisker.
For a potentially safer bet, you can consider top batsman or bowler options. Phil Salt’s recent exploits and Babar Azam’s consistent leadership make them strong contenders. Similarly, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s wicket-taking form and Adil Rashid’s potential to replicate his previous series could be good picks as well.
Ultimately, the outcome depends on which team performs better on the day. Both sides possess firepower, so a high-scoring encounter is on the cards, potentially favoring an Over on Runs bet.