England vs Pakistan, 1st ODI: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

With only three weeks to go for the World Cup, England and Pakistan will lock horns in the first of the five-match ODI series on Wednesday. This is an extremely crucial series for few players of both the teams as their place in the World Cup squad is at stake. For England, it is Jofra Archer while the Men in Green will hope for Mohammad Amir to do well and claim a spot in the mega event.

England defeated Ireland in the one-off ODI while also sealed the last over thriller in the only T20I against Pakistan. They would love to continue the winning momentum. The return of the likes of Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler also boosts the Brits and they will walk back into the XI. Pakistan would love to test Mohammad Amir ahead of the World Cup.

Match Details

The first ODI of the five-match series between England and Pakistan will be hosted by the Kennington Oval in London.

The match starts at 13:00 local time, 17:30 IST, 12:00 GMT.

The game won’t be televised in India. (Live streaming on YouTube).

Weather Conditions

There is a bad news for both the teams. It is expected to rain from the morning in London and things might get worse by the time the match starts. Though the possibility of rain comes down by 4 PM, thunderstorms are expected in London. However, later in the evening, things are expected to improve with only 34% of rain predicted by Accuweather. Surely, it will be a shortened game.

Last five completed ODI matches: (Most recent- first)

England – W, L, W, L, W

Pakistan – L, L, L, L, L

Pitch Condition/Report:

There will be swing on offer at the Kennington Oval on Wednesday with the clouds hovering all day. There will be a lot of moisture in the wicket as well. With the rain expected to have its say, the team winning the toss will definitely field first.

Average first innings score: 248 (Last seven List A matches)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 4, Lost – 3

Probable Playing XI

England

Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Joe Denly/Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood.

Bench: Moeen Ali, James Vince, David Willey, Tom Curran, Joe Denly/Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan.

Pakistan

Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammed Amir, Shaheen Afridi.

Bench: Abid Ali, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hasnain.

Team News

Moeen Ali sustained a rib injury and has been ruled out of the first ODI.

Mohammad Hafeez is unavailable for the first two ODIs due to injury.

Shoaib Malik is still not available due to personal reasons and is expected to join the team on May 9.

Power Picks:

Babar Azam vs England in ODIs:

Innings: 5

Runs: 282

Average: 56.40

100s: 1

50s: 1

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options: Jonny Bairstow, Babar Azam, Joe Root.

Vice Captain Options: Jos Buttler, Haris Sohail, Ben Stokes.

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Head to Head/ Small Leagues:

Wicket-Keeper – Jos Buttler

Batsmen – Eoin Morgan, Jonny Bairstow (C), Babar Azam (VC), Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq

All-Rounders – Chris Woakes, Faheem Ashraf

Bowlers – Liam Plunkett, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Grand/ Mega Leagues:

Wicket-Keeper – Sarfaraz Ahmed

Batsmen – Joe Root (C), Jason Roy, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman (VC), Imam-ul-Haq

All-Rounders – Ben Stokes, Imad Wasim

Bowlers – Jofra Archer, Liam Plunkett, Mohammad Amir.

Expert Advice:

The credits for the players have changed and you have to be very careful while preparing the team.

You can’t take Buttler, Root and Azam in one team. It will be better if only two of them are picked.

Probable Winners:

England, being the hosts and the number 1 ODI team, is expected to win and take the early lead in the series.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.

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