ENG vs PAK Match Prediction - Who will win today’s 1st T20I match between England and Pakistan?

Preview:

England (ENG) are gearing up to face Pakistan (PAK) in the four-match T20I series. The first T20I is set to be played on Wednesday, May 22, at Headingley, Leeds.

Notably, the English team will reunite for a T20I series after a five-month break. The Three Lions played a five-match T20I series against the West Indies in December 2023. After that series, a bunch of cricketers was engaged in various franchise cricket tournaments around the world. Some players are now joining the national team directly from their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.

On the other hand, Pakistan will be high on confidence after their recent series victory. The Babar Azam-led side is coming off a brilliant T20I series win from their recently concluded Ireland assignment. They defeated the hosts by a 1-2 margin and will be looking to carry the same momentum against another host side. 

Match Details 

Headingley, Leeds Pitch Report:

The surface at Headingley provides an even contest between bat and ball. The surface offers a good pace, allowing batters to play their strokes freely, while giving batters full value for their shots. In the initial stages, the seamers can extract some movement off the pitch, helping them to make early breakthroughs. As the match progresses, the spinners come into play and can be influential. The team that wins the toss will look to bowl first.

Check Here: ENG vs PAK Live Score, 1st T20I

ENG vs PAK Head-to-Head Record

Probable Playing XIs

England (ENG):

Jos Buttler (C & WK), Phil Salt, Jonny Bairstow, Will Jacks, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Reece Topley

Pakistan (PAK): 

Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Abbas Afridi

ENG vs PAK Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter:

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam could be the best batter in the upcoming game against England. Azam's recent performances against Ireland have been nothing short of remarkable, where he scored 132 runs across three matches, and was the joint-highest run-scorer in the series. His performance will be crucial for the visitors as they will be against an experienced England side. 

Probable Best Bowler:

England's bowling all-rounder Chris Jordan could be among the pick of the bowlers in the upcoming game against Pakistan. The 35-year-old is regarded as a specialist bowler in T20I cricket. Jordan has been valuable for England during the crucial middle and death overs of an innings. His ability to deliver effective slower deliveries in the middle overs, along with his expertise in executing yorkers at the end, has made him a crucial asset to the team.

Today's Match Prediction: England to win the match

Scenario 1

England win the toss and opt to bowl.

Powerplay score: 50-60

First Innings Score: 180-190

England win the match.

Scenario 2

Pakistan win the toss and opt to bowl. 

Powerplay score: 60-70

First Innings Score: 190-200

England win the match.

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.