The stage is all set with readiness. England and Pakistan will fight it out for honours in a three-match ODI series. The series commences with the first game at Cardiff. Pakistan will be locking horns against a newly assembled England squad. There is a lot at stake for both teams. It is a golden chance for Men in green to come up trumps against the world champions. ENG vs PAK | 1st ODI StumpsandBails Match Predictions .
StumpsandBails looks at how the two teams stack up against each other and who holds the aces going into the series:
Here Is The ENG vs PAK| 1st ODI StumpsandBails Match Predictions
England: Form
England were ruthless against a hapless Sri Lankan team. They didn’t give them an inch. Eoin Morgan led England drubbed Sri Lanka in both T20Is and ODIs. England were well on course to notch up a clean sweep in the ODIs but owing to rains, they had to settle with just a 2-0 scoreline. But within a span of 1 week, the tables have turned completely for England. 7 members of their setup have been affected with COVID-19. This forced the management to call up an entirely new team for the Pakistan series. Ben Stokes recuperating from an injury will lead this new-look England side. It will be interesting to see how England overcome this overhaul.
Pakistan: Form
Pakistan are coming off a series win against South Africa. It was a high-scoring series that saw batsmen making merry. They will be quietly confident against a revamped England side. The Babar Azam-led team will be eager to give a good account of themselves. Their bowling attack will be the key to restrict free-flowing England batsmen. This is probably Pakistan’s best chance to win a limited-overs series in England.
ENG vs PAK: Favourites?
Pakistan start slight favourites owing to the havoc caused in the English camp. England will be eager to showcase its bench strength but a settled Pakistani unit hold the edge.
Which players will be match-winners in this game?
ENG vs PAK | 1st ODI StumpsandBails Match Predictions. England will be looking up to Ben Stokes for inspiration. He is their talisman. If England are to win the series, a strong showing from Stokes is paramount.
Babar Azam has been Pakistan’s batting mainstay. It will be no different in this series. Azam’s class makes him a player to watch irrespective of the conditions.
X-factor player:
The world number 1 T20I batsman, Dawid Malan will be keen to cement his spot in ODIs too. Coming into bat at number 3, he will be vital to England’s chances.
Hasan Ali has the uncanny knack of picking wickets. His change of pace is deceptive and might come in handy against English batsmen.
Probable Playing XI:
England predicted XI:
Phillip Salt, James Vince, Dawid Malan, Ben Duckett, Ben Stokes (C), Lewis Gregory, John Simpson (WK), Craig Overton, Jake Ball, Saqib Mahmood, Danny Briggs
Pakistan predicted XI:
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Sohaib Maqsood, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf
What do stats say about ENG vs PAK?
England and Pakistan have clashed against each other 88 times in ODIs.
England has won 53 games while Pakistan has won on 32 occasions. 3 games have not produced a result.
In England, both teams have played 19 games against each other.
England have won 9 while Pakistan have won 10.
Pitch:
Run-making isn’t easy at the Sophia Gardens. The recently concluded two T20Is were evidence of that fact. Spinner might play a huge part later in the game. Owing to fickle weather conditions, teams winning the toss might want to chase.
Venue:
Average score: 265.
Total ODIs: 28
Teams batting first: 8 wins
Teams batting second: 16 wins
3 No-results and 1 Tie.
Weather Report:
A high of 21 degrees and a low of 13 degrees is expected. There are 24% chances of rain. Toss becomes a crucial factor in overcast conditions.
StumpsandBails verdict:
It is a battle between England’s new bunch and PAK’s unpredictable consistency. Pakistan hold an edge but count England out at your own peril.
Also Read: 5 Players To Watch Out For In The Sri Lanka India Series
