By: Iman Attique
The much-anticipated T20 series between England and Pakistan has been heavily affected by relentless rain, impacting both teams’ preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. With the third match in Cardiff abandoned without a ball bowled due to persistent rain, England’s 1-0 lead in the series remains the only result so far.
For England, this series was meant to serve as a final tune-up under the guidance of head coach Matthew Mott and captain Jos Butler. England has played only 13 T20s since the last World Cup in 2022, a lack of match practice that could be detrimental, especially for key players like Jofra Archer, who has just returned from a long injury layoff.
In contrast, Pakistan has had a decent run of cricket leading up to the tournament, with the Pakistan Super League (PSL), a home series against New Zealand, and a tour of Ireland providing avenues for preparation. However, questions remain regarding their squad composition and strategy. One significant issue is the uncertainty surrounding the third pacer: while Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Amir are definite selections in the playing XI, the choice of the third pacer and his role remain ambiguous. Should he bowl during the powerplay or outside it? Additionally, the middle order’s inconsistent form is troubling. The frequent dismissals of players like Azam Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed, combined with the slow starts from Babar Azam and Saim Ayub, have forced the team to promote Shaheen Afridi above Imad Wasim in the batting order, underscoring the lineup’s instability.
For fans of both teams, this series was a chance to see their favorite players in action one last time before the World Cup. The disappointment is palpable, as many had hoped to witness their teams’ form and strategies unfold. The final T20 match is scheduled to be played at The Oval on Thursday. However, with rain again in the forecast, there are concerns that this game might also be affected. If this happens, both England and Pakistan will enter the World Cup with even less match practice, a worrying scenario for players and fans alike.
As a Pakistan supporter, one looks ahead to The Oval with hope: Will this be our redemption—a chance to secure the win that eluded us in the 2022 final? Perhaps we will see that victory, if the weather permits. If not, we will hold our hopes for the big stage, where glory could finally be ours.