Pakistan and England are preparing to face off in the first T20I match of their four-match series on Wednesday at Headingley Carnegie. This series is really important for both teams as they gear up for the upcoming T20I World Cup, aiming to fine-tune their strategies and improve any kinks in their gameplay.

With the T20I World Cup on the horizon, both Pakistan and England are looking to use this series as a critical preparatory platform. The teams will be keen on assessing their squad combinations, and experimenting different tactics in lead up to the upcoming T20I World Cup.

For Pakistan, the series is an opportunity to build momentum and confidence. And, the first game will also present the opportunity for Pakistan to shortlist their best players for the upcoming T20I World Cup squad as they are yet to name their T20I World Cup squad. Heading into this match, Pakistan will be aiming for consistency. Players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman will be pivotal, leading from the front and providing the stability in batting and bowling attack. 

England, on the other hand, will focus on getting back to business, having endured an underwhelming campaign at the ODI World Cup last year. However, both formats are different but England failed to stamp their authority at the ODI World Cup 2023. This series is more than just a bilateral series for England as it serves as a precursor ahead of the high-profile T20I World Cup that will get underway from June 1. England will also be bringing pace sensation Jofra Archer back into action. Jofra Archer has been on the sidelines for last 14 months due to the elbow injury, but his comeback will be a big boost for England. Archer’s presence will instil a sense of fear among Pakistan’s batters because of the kind of threat he poses with ball. 

Head to Head

Matches - 29

ENG Won - 19

PAK Won - 9

NR - 1

England Probable XI: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Josh Buttler (c&wk), Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood

Pakistan Probable XI: Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Harish Rauf/Mohammad Amir