England vs Pakistan, 2nd ODI: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Rain played hide and seek with everyone in the series opener at the Kennington Oval in London on Wednesday. Both the teams, especially England, must’ve felt hard done with the washout as they were looking too good in the 19 overs of action after opting to bowl first. Every game is an opportunity to test the players ahead of the World Cup and even Pakistan would be disappointed not to have a full game.

Jofra Archer‘s pace and accuracy troubled the opposition batsmen. Imam-ul-Haq somehow managed to survive his new ball spell while Fakhar Zaman couldn’t as he edged one to slips. Fakhar has failed in both the matches against England now and should be amongst the runs in this game to shrug off any worries about his form heading into the mega event.

England, on the other hand, have had a good look at Jofra Archer so far. The West Indies-born pacer has done no harm to his credentials and as of now, seems certain to make it to the World Cup squad. England will also be eager to test their back-up opener’s slot which has opened up after Alex Hales’s name was withdrawn from the team.

Pitch Report

The average score batting first at the Rose Bowl in Southampton this season in the ongoing domestic One-Day Cup has been 320. The trend is likely to continue in this game as well. 11 AM start might help the new-ball bowlers a bit but that shouldn’t be an issue on this batting paradise.

Weather Conditions

It has been raining in Southampton and the things are not expected to improve on the match day as well. Early morning showers are likely to delay the start of the game while at 2 PM local time, there are 51 % chances of showers according to Accuweather. However, unlike last game, we might get a shortened game a least and a result is also possible.

Team Combination

England

With the first match washed out, England aren’t expected to make any changes and give the same group one more chance. Joe Denly has a chance to prove himself while there is no news on Moeen Ali who sustained a rib injury ahead of the series opener. Chris Woakes and Archer will take the new ball while Liam Plunkett is the third pacer who has been doing well of late. Batting has never been a major problem for them and is expected to rake up runs on a flat pitch.

Probable XI: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Joe Denly, Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett.

Pakistan

Shoaib Malik is available for Pakistan who joined the team after a 10-day break. Asif Ali was included in the playing XI in his absence and it remains to be seen if Malik walks into the team now or has to wait. Ali deserves a chance to prove his hitting credentials ahead of the World Cup. Mohammad Hafeez is not available for this game as well with a hand injury and according to earlier reports, should be fit for the next game.

Probable XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Sarfaraz Ahmed (C & WK), Asif Ali/Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammed Amir, Shaheen Afridi.

Probable Top Performers

Jonny Bairstow – England

Bairstow is coming off a brilliant IPL stint and will be high on confidence when it comes to opening the innings. He will be itching to get a hit in the middle with the mega event around the corner and Bairstow’s form is also important for the Brits. He and Jason Roy are expected to give good starts at the top especially in the powerplays.

Babar Azam – Pakistan

Babar Azam could score 16 runs off 20 deliveries before getting out to Liam Plunkett. Though in the one-off T20I he looked a class apart and the visitors will be banking on him again to dominate the proceedings. With Fakhar struggling in these conditions, Babar is expected to take up the mantle and anchor the innings.

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony Six and Sony Six HD

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

Match Timings – 15:30 IST; 11:00 local

The prediction is for England win the match and take a 1-0 lead in the series. Also, the match is expected to be a shortened one with rain around and in that case, the hosts will be at advantage.

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