After rain forced the first T20I of the series to be abandoned, England and Pakistan prepare for another stop-start affair on August 30 (Sunday). Manchester has been badly hit by rains which have taken a toll on every game at the Old Trafford.
England are unlikely to make many changes with Tom Banton responding brilliantly to the opener’s job. However, they can bring in Dawid Willey. He has been in good touch since the last series against Ireland and can chip in with the bat. Willey is particularly handy against the spin and can arrest a collapse in the middle-order.
On the other hand, Pakistan might bring in experienced Wahab Riaz ahead of Mohammad Amir or Haris Rauf. Meanwhile, young sensation Haider Ali will have to wait for more for his opportunity as the team didn’t bat in the last game and is unlikely to make any changes.
Weather Forecast
After a washout in the first encounter, the weather looks better for the 2nd tie. We can expect a full 40 overs of action; however, it is difficult to predict the weather in Manchester.
England vs Pakistan 2020: 2nd T20I – Fantasy Tips
It is important to pick a balanced side as it will make your team stronger. Now that you can fix your team even after the toss, it makes your job easier.
All eyes will be on young Tom Banton after his swashbuckling innings in the first encounter. Banton walked in place of Jason Roy and made full use of the opportunity. He would like to keep up his job and cement his berth. The likes of Eoin Morgan and Jonny Bairstow will also be in the reckoning.
On the other hand, for Pakistan, skipper Babar Azam will be the key man. He will have to shoulder the responsibility of scoring the bulk of runs which will decide Pakistan’s fate.
Pitch Report
The match will be played on the same surface as the one used for game one. The wicket looked good; however, the bounce made it difficult for the batsmen. It is likely to be the same with the slower bowlers coming into action late.
Predicted Playing XI
England: Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan, Sam Billings, Moeen Ali, Lewis Gregory, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf
Fantasy XI Tips
Captain: Babar Azam, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan
Vice-captain: Tom Banton, Imad Wasim
Wicket-keeper(s) – Jonny Bairstow
Batsmen – Babar Azam (C), Eoin Morgan, Dawid Malan, Tom Banton (vc)
All-Rounder(s) – Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Moeen Ali
Bowlers – Mohammad Amir, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan
Match Prediction
Pakistan have had a disappointing tour so far as they are yet to win a game. They will be desperate to open their account and take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series. However, for that to happen, they will have to avenge a confident England side.
After due consideration, the home side looks in line to go 1-0 up in the series with one match still to go.
