The first match in the series ended with no result as the weather yet again played it’s part in frustrating Pakistan and England’s ambitions.
With 16 overs completed in just one innings, the action that did take place offers little suggestion of which side was actually on top but Pakistan had started well.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Second T20I | Sunday 30 August 2020 | Old Trafford, Manchester | 15:15
To Win Match
England 62/100
Tie 25/1
Pakistan 27/20
England
Having been put in to bat in the series opening match, England will be pleased with Tom Banton’s knock but concerned with the lack of support offered to the young opener.
Jonny Bairstow again fell victim to spin early in his innings, something that has been picked out as a weak spot for one of the Three Lions best white-ball batsmen.
Dawid Malan has been criticised for consuming too many balls in T20 cricket and again batted for much of the powerplay without providing much in the way of intent to get on top of the bowling in the opening exchanges.
England’s bowling unit did not get a run in the washed out match on Friday but we saw that the hosts were willing to play two spinners in Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid.
Pakistan
Pakistan were in a decent position when the first match was called off, considering they won the toss and elected to field first and had prevented England from mounting a significant assault on the bowling.
Imad Wasim continues to enjoy bowling in England and he took key wickets in match one and was difficult to get away. He is likely to be the key bowler for Pakistan in the rest of the series and England are going to try to find ways to negate his effect.
One of Imad’s spin partners, Shadab Khan was taken to task by Banton including successive sixes at the outset but he came back well claiming the wicket of the England opener.
Pakistan’s batting has been the area that has let them down on key occasions and they were not tested in the first match but their blend of experience and young prospects is one that shows great promise.
Verdict: Pakistan 27/20
Pakistan should be able to take what they have learned and turn it into a win.
