Match Details:
The 3rd game of the 3-match T20I series between England and Pakistan will be played at the Old Trafford in Manchester.
The match starts at 6:00 PM local time (10:30 PM IST) (5:00 PM UTC). This match can be viewed on Sony Six and Sony Six HD. It will be live-streamed on the Sony Liv app.
Preview:
It was an absolute belter of a track that was on offer during the second T20I. England comfortably chased down a humungous target of 196 runs with 5 balls and 5 wickets to spare as they took a 1-0 lead in the series. Ideally, the home team would like to make it 2-0 in the 3rd T20I and move into the series against Australia with some winning momentum on their side.
Pakistan, however, will look to give the opposition a tough fight. Thus far, on this tour, the team hasn’t won a single game. They would like to salvage some pride by winning the last game and levelling the series. Both these teams will focus on performing better with the ball in this game. England might also make a couple of changes for this match. David Willey could replace Saqib Mohammad while Joe Denly might come in for Lewis Gregory.
Weather Report
It is good news as far as the weather is concerned as there is no prediction of rain. We should most likely get a full game of cricket.
Pitch Condition/Report:
It is a great pitch to bat on. The ball is coming on nicely and the batsmen can hit through the line. There is some turn on offer for the spinners.
Average 1st innings score: 170 (Completed Men’s T20Is since 2015)
Record of Chasing Teams: Won – 3, Lost – 1, Tied – 0
Injury and Availability News:
Mohammad Amir has got an injury scare and will likely be unavailable for selection.
Probable Playing XIs:
England:
Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan (C), Sam Billings (WK), Joe Denly/Lewis Gregory, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan, Saqib Mahmood/David Willey, Tom Curran.
Bench: Joe Denly/Lewis Gregory, Saqib Mahmood/David Willey.
Pakistan:
Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (WK), Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Wahab Riaz/Mohammad Amir, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Bench: Khushdil Shah, Haider Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Wahab Riaz/Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Naseem, Mohammad Hasnain.
Top Picks:
Jonny Bairstow looked to be in great touch in the last game with 44 off 24 balls. He hit four 4s and two 6s.
Dawid Malan returned with an unbeaten 54 in the previous game and has touched the double figures in each of the 12 T20I innings he batted thus far.
Shadab Khan was the most impressive Pakistan bowler with 3 wickets in the 2nd T20I. He can contribute with the bat as well.
Haris Rauf is a decent budget pick. The 26-year-old accounted for two wickets in the last match.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain Options – Eoin Morgan, Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow
Vice-Captain Options – Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Tom Banton
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Jonny Bairstow
Batters – Babar Azam (VC), Tom Banton, Eoin Morgan (C), Mohammad Hafeez, Dawid Malan
All-Rounders – Shadab Khan, Moeen Ali
Bowlers – Shaheen Afridi, Adil Rashid, Haris Rauf
12th Man – Imad Wasim
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Jonny Bairstow
Batters – Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez (VC), Dawid Malan (C), Fakhar Zaman, Tom Banton
All-Rounders – Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim
Bowlers – Wahab Riaz, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan
12th Man – Mohammad Rizwan
(Note: Players with 9 credits or less can only be chosen as the 12th man. This feature will only come into play if one of 11 players of your team is not the part of the playing XI.)
Expert Advice:
Mohammad Rizwan bats way too low down the order for his team. Hence, it is best to pick Jonny Bairstow in your 11Wickets Fantasy teams even though credits will be a constraint.
Probable Winners:
England is expected to win this match.
