Finally, the rain gods at Manchester decided to stay away and we all witnessed a high scoring T20 match. Nearly 400 runs were scored in the match as Eoin Morgan led from the front to help England get a 1-0 lead.
The hosts chased down the target of 195 with 5 balls to spare courtesy of their top 4 in the batting line up. Morgan was rightly awarded the player of the match for his sublime 66 off just 33 deliveries at a strike rate of 200.
Pakistan managed to deliver with the bat but failed to back it up with the ball. Apart from Shahdab Khan who had figures of 34-3, all other bowlers were taken to cleaners by the England batsmen. Meanwhile, in the batting department captain, Babar Azam scored a solid fifty but the star for them was undoubtedly Mohammad Hafeez. The 39-year-old turned back the clock and scored an outrageous 69 off just 36 balls.
Unfortunately, the dynamic English batting line up was too much for the visitors in the end as the lost the much fairly easily in the end. The 3rd T20I between England and Pakistan will be again played at Old Trafford today. The match is a day-night game and will begin at 10:30 IST.
Weather Forecast
Surprisingly the weather forecast suggests that it will be mostly sunny throughout the duration of the match. Fans will again get to see uninterrupted T20 match between two quality sides.
Pitch Report
The match will be played on a used surface and it might again assist the spinners more than fast bowlers. The wicket looked overall was good for batting once they apply themselves. Another high scoring match awaits as both sides will be once again looking to out bat each other in the final T20I match.
England vs Pakistan 2020: 3rd 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.
As far as England are concerned there batting has been firing on all cylinders. Tom Banton and Jonny Bairstow can surely be picked in your squad as they have been in terrific form and as openers, they get to bat the majority of overs.
Plus, England captain is also a suitable contender to pick as captain of your squad as he is presently in the form of his life. In the bowling department including Adil Rashid can be a wise move as he has this funny knack of picking wickets.
Whereas from Pakistan, Babar Azam who now averages even more than Virat Kohli in T20I should surely be picked in your squad. Importantly Mohammad Hafeez after his heroics in the last match is also a must now.
It is important to remember that Mohammad Amir suffered a hamstring injury during the last match and is expected to miss out. In his place, Wahab Riaz is expected to play so he can be included in your side in place of Mohammad Amir.
Predicted 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, Wahab Riaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf
Fantasy XI Tips
Captain: Babar Azam, Eoin Morgan
Vice-captain: Tom Banton, Johnny Bairstow
Wicket-keeper(s) – Jonny Bairstow
Batsmen – Babar Azam (C), Eoin Morgan, Mohammad Hafeez, Tom Banton (VC)
All-Rounder(s) – Shadab Khan, Moeen Ali
Bowlers – Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan, Shaheen Afridi, Wahab Riaz
Match Prediction
England are the firm favourites to win the match and wrap up the series 2-0. However, if Pakistan can somehow dismiss their top order cheaply they have an outside chance.
