England’s summer of cricket continues with an ODI series against Pakistan. The opening match between the nations takes place at Sophia Gardens, before the second test takes place at Lord’s and the test rounds off at Edgbaston. After the ODI series between the nations, there will also be a T20 series of three matches. However, will it be England or Pakistan that take the opening match?
England In Good Confidence After Recent Victory
The confidence in the England camp will likely be high after overcoming a difficult looking test against Sri Lanka. England won all three T20 and both ODI against the visitors. The recent ODI series was restricted to just two games after the third match was called off following a rain delay. England comfortably won the previous two games in the series. Their first win came by five wickets with 91 balls left, as Sri Lanka were all out for 185 after chasing down England’s score of 189. Chris Woakes was named player of the match in that opening game, as he took four wickets from 18 balls. David Willey also took three wickets in the success. Ali was also among the highest scorers for England, scoring 28.
However, Joe Root carried the load for England in the opening match, as he scored 78. Jonny Bairstow also scored 43 from 21 deliveries. The second match was even more comfortable for England, as they won by eight wickets with 42 balls remaining. Sri Lanka batted first at The Oval, and scored 241 runs. Sam Curran, who was later named player of the match, took five wickets. Willey continued his excellent form taking four. Eoin Morgan top-scored for England in the win with 75, while Root scored 68 and Jason Roy hit 60.
Pakistan In Solid Form
Pakistan will be confident of a positive result in this series, despite being the BetXchange outsiders. They have been in decent form in all forms of the game recently, as they have won four of their previous five matches. Their only defeat came in a second match of a three-game T20 series against Zimbabwe in April. However, Pakistan wrapped up the series victory over their opponents by winning the third and final game. They won that by 24 runs after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Pakistan scored 165 in their innings, and lost just three wickets.
Mohammad Rizman, who was named the player of the series in that meeting, will be the man that England will be most wary of. In the final match against Zimbabwe, he scored 91 from 60 balls. Babar Azam also impressed scoring 52. Hasan Ali was named Player of the match in the final T20 meeting between the nations, as he took four wickets from four overs. Haris Rauf also took two wickets, while one wicket was taken by Muhammad Hasnain.
Prediction
This could be a closer series for England than they experienced against Sri Lanka. However, the hosts have an abundance of batting quality in the squad, such as Eoin Morgan and Chris Woakes, and they should take the opening meeting, weather permitting.
