Match Preview: Eng vs Pak 

After humbling Sri Lanka in familiar conditions, England would look to continue their winning momentum in the series against Pakistan. But things would not be that easy, considering the opposition and the late calamity hitting the poms. 7 squad members from the recent Sri Lankan tour have been found positive of Covid-19. Out of these 7,  three are players whereas the other four are staff members. This has prompted the ECB to come up with a relatively new squad led by the English ace, Ben Stokes at the last moment. The sudden chop and shuffle within the squad can affect the confidence of the world champions. Pakistan on the other hand would look to put up a clinical show against a slightly inexperienced English side. Let us now have a look at how these two teams fare out in today’s clash.

Eng vs Pak Venue

The first ODI match between England and Pakistan would be played at the Sophia Gardens, Cardiff 

Eng vs Pak Playing Conditions

The pitch at the Sophia Gardens has equitably assisted the pacers and batters in the past. As Cardiff prepares to host the opening game of this riveting series. Bowlers, particularly fast bowlers will enjoy bowling on this deck, whereas batsmen will also have their fair share of fun. Team winning the coin toss should look to bowl first on this surface.

Eng vs Pak Squads

England: Ben Stokes(c), Jake Ball, Danny Briggs, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Lewis Gregory, Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dan Lawrence, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Matt Parkinson, David Payne, Phil Salt, John Simpson, James Vince.

Pakistan:  Babar Azam(c), Fakhar Zaman, Sohaib Maqsood, Abdullah Shafique, Imam ul Haq, Haris Sohail, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Agha Salman, Usman Qadir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Shaheen Afridi

Eng vs Pak Playing Combinations

England: Phil Salt, James Vince/John Simpson, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes(c), Zak Crawley, Will Jacks, Lewis Gregory, Jake Ball, Saqib Mahmood, Matt Parkinson/B Carse.

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam Ul Haq, Babar Azam, Sohaib Maqsood/Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan(wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf 

Match Prediction

England is miles ahead in the head-to-head battle. However, Pakistan would look to bridge the gap on Thursday bearing in mind the English squad constitutes 9 uncapped players. We are backing Babar’s troops to get the job done in the inaugural match.

Eng vs Pak Real11 Fantasy Playing XI 

Wicket-Keepers: Mohammad Rizwan

Batsmen: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Dawid Malan(c) 

All-Rounders: Shadab Khan, Lewis Gregory, Ben Stokes, Faheem Ashraf 

Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi(vc), Jake Ball, Saqib Mahmood

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