World XI tour of Pakistan, 1st T20I - Match Result Predictions

Cricket is finally returning to Pakistan. Players from around the cricketing globe have combined to form a World XI team that will feature in 3 T20Is against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. It’s like a festival in the country and the fans have welcomed the initiative with open arms. After a long time, the fans in the country would finally witness their favorite players in action in front of them.

The World XI side includes some of the biggest names in the game of cricket. Led by South Africa’s Faf du Plessis, the team has Hashim Amla, Tamim Iqbal, Morne Morkel, George Bailey, Imran Tahir and a few more. Irrespective of the outcome of the series, these players need to commended for their participation to rejuvenate the game in Pakistan.

It’s not about winning or losing for visiting team but the home side won’t leave any stones unturned in trying to make a statement to the world. Sarfaraz Ahmed and his men would come out hard and try to showcase the world what the country has to offer for the game. The players will be itching to perform in front of the home crowd and will hope to have many more international games in the future in the nation.

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: Pakistan wins the toss

Toss prediction: Pakistan will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 160-170

Result prediction: Pakistan will win the match by 4 wickets

Scenario 2: World XI wins the toss

Toss prediction: World XI will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 170-180

Result prediction: Pakistan will win the match 10-20 runs

Only 3 of the players from the World XI side have an experience of playing in Pakistan before and hence, it won’t be easy for the visitors to adapt to the conditions straightaway. Playing as a team won’t be easy either for players from different parts of the world. On the other hand, Pakistanis are accustomed to the conditions and play day in and day out together and that’s why they will be in the advantage.

Playing Combinations:

Pakistan

The batting unit has a good mix of experience and youth. The opening slots will be occupied by Fakhar Zaman, the hero of ICC Champions Trophy final and Ahmed Shehzad. Then, the talented Babar Azam will be the No.3 batsman followed by the 2 most experienced batsmen in the side – Shoaib Malik and the skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed. The all-rounders Mohammad Nawaz and Imad Wasim complete a formidable batting line-up.

The bowling will be led by Hasan Ali, the Player of the Series from the ICC Champions Trophy. He will have the pacers Rumman Raees and Sohail Khan for support. The key though will be the spinners. Imad Wasim, the No.1 ranked T20I bowler in the world will be the go-to man for Pakistan and he might take the new ball as well.

Predicted XI: Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (c&wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Sohail Khan, Hasan Ali, Rumman Raees

World XI

If we look at the batting order, it has some of the most prolific run-getters in the game. Tamim Iqbal, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, George Bailey and David Miller, it’s a line-up that should deliver on most days but as most of them will play for the first time in the country, it’s going to be a stiff task for them. Pakistani side possesses strength with not just spinners but also quality fast bowlers and hence, the challenge will be tougher.

The bowling unit will be led by Morne Morkel who will use his pace as well as height to trouble the batsmen. There could be a shortage of another frontline pacer in the side. But with Imran Tahir and Samuel Badree in the side, they have 2 of the best spinners of the shortest version of the game. How the Pakistani batsmen handle the duo, could well define the outcome of the match.

Predicted XI: Hashim Amla, Tamim Iqbal, Faf du Plessis (c), George Bailey, David Miller, Tim Paine (wk), Grant Elliot, Ben Cutting, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir, Samuel Badree

The Pakistani side holds the advantage due to familiar conditions. The World XI sides haven’t traditionally done well and that’s where the home side could cash on.

Pakistan start favorites but one can expect World XI to be competitive.

Do let us know your predictions in the comments section below.