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After the opening game of the four-match T20I series was washed out and abandoned without a toss in Headingley, Leeds on Wednesday, England and Pakistan will try again on Saturday afternoon at Edgbaston, Birmingham. This second match of the series, designed to provide crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup, gets underway at 14:30 local time on May 25th.
Weather and Pitch Report
Following the disappointment of continuous rain in Leeds, Edgbaston is expected to see more downpours and heavy cloud cover on Saturday. Despite this, the forecast suggests the game should be able to proceed, with temperatures reaching up to 18 degrees. The pitch at Edgbaston is known for being a good batting wicket, with a par score likely to be over 200. There will be pace in the pitch but also some turn for spin bowlers.
Match Toss Prediction
Edgbaston has hosted seven T20Is previously, all won by the team batting first. Therefore, we predict that both captains will choose to bat if they win the toss.
England Team News & Key Players
Team News:
England had no injury concerns ahead of the first game. The abandonment on Wednesday provided a useful rest for players who participated in the IPL. The main selection decision revolves around whether to play Sam Curran or Liam Livingstone.
Key Players:
- Phil Salt: The 27-year-old right-hander had a productive IPL season, with several significant scores.
- Jos Buttler: The captain and consistent top-order batter led England to the T20 World Cup title in 2022.
- Mark Wood & Jofra Archer: Both pace bowlers will be crucial on a pitch that aids quick bowling.
Predicted Playing 11:
Jos Buttler (c) (wk), Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone / Sam Curran, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley
Pakistan Team News & Key Players
Team News:
Pakistan has a fully fit squad, with players looking forward to performing in front of a supportive crowd at Edgbaston.
Key Players:
- Babar Azam: A versatile top-order batter and consistent performer across formats.
- Mohammad Rizwan: A reliable keeper-batter with an impressive T20I record.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi & Mohammad Amir: Both bowlers bring experience and skill, crucial for Pakistan’s chances.
Predicted Playing 11:
Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam (c), Azam Khan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir
Recent Form
England:
England has not played a T20I since mid-December, winning two of their last five matches in this format.
Pakistan:
Pakistan won their last two T20Is before the washout on Wednesday.
Head-to-Head
Overall:
- Matches Played: 29
- England Won: 19
- Pakistan Won: 9
- No Result: 1
Last 5 Matches:
- England Won: 3
- Pakistan Won: 1
- No Result: 1
Live Streaming and TV Coverage
TV Channels:
- Sky Cricket
- Sony Sports
Live Streaming:
- SkyGo
- NowTV
- Sony Liv
Match Prediction
England, backed by their strong record at Edgbaston and superior batting depth, are favorites to win this match. However, Pakistan, with a competitive bowling attack, will pose a tough challenge. Expect a close contest, with England likely to come out on top.
Prediction: England Will Win
