England Vs Pakistan T20 Series Prediction

The [T20 World Cup](betting#sports-hub/cricket/international_twenty20 is rapidly approaching and England are set to warm up for it with a four-game series against Pakistan.

The first match takes place at Headingley on Wednesday before moving on to Edgbaston, Sophia Gardens and The Oval.

England are the reigning T20 world champions and they will be eager to head into the tournament, which begins in Texas on June 1, with some momentum.

Jos Buttler’s side will be confident of overcoming Pakistan in this series, given that they have won the last eight meetings across all formats.

However, England have lost five of their last seven T20 matches and put in an underwhelming title defence in last year’s 50-over World Cup.

They will have the advantage of having stars such as Buttler, Reece Topley and Phil Salt competing in the Indian Premier League this season, something none of the Pakistan squad have done.

That recent top-level experience could be crucial but with sharpening up for the T20 World Cup a bigger priority, expect the hosts to chop and change their lineups to get themselves ready for the big event.

That scattergun approach to selection means that while England should win the series, it’s hard to have complete faith in them.

Tip 1 – Phil Salt top England run scorer in Game 1 @ 7/2

One of the players who will be fighting for a starting position at the T20 World Cup is batter Phil Salt.

With Buttler expected to take one of the opening spots, it will likely be either Salt or Jonny Bairstow who will partner the skipper at the top of the order.

Salt was one of the stars for Kolkata Knight Riders in this year’s Indian Premier League and his absence is likely to be keenly missed by KKR in the play-offs.

The 27-year-old made 435 runs in the IPL from 12 matches at a strike rate of 182 and an average of 39.54. He can continue that form in this series and is fancied to be top England run scorer in the first game.

Tip 2 – [Babar Azam over 27.5 runs in Game 1 @ Evs(/betting#event/1019965472)

Captain Babar Azam leads the way for the Pakistan team and he has been in fine form recently.

The 29-year-old has made knocks of 75, 57 and 69 in three of his last four T20 innings and he looks a solid pick to go over 27.5 runs in the first game.

Tip 3 – Mark Wood top England bowler in Game 1 @ 3/1

Mark Wood has struggled with injuries throughout his career but remains one of the most explosive bowlers in world cricket and could star for England here.

The seamer averages 18.46 from 28 T20Is, taking 45 wickets in total, and his express pace makes him a huge threat.

Seven of those matches have been played in the UK and Wood has picked up at least one wicket in each of them, while his two clashes against Pakistan in this format have seen him record figures of 3/24 and 3/20.