The fourth T20I between England and Pakistan at the Kennington Oval in London on May 30 holds significant importance for both teams. With the series currently standing at 1-0 in favor of England, due to the second T20I win at Edgbaston and two matches being abandoned due to rain, both teams will be eager for a complete game to take place.
England’s Perspective:
- Recent Form: England displayed a strong performance in the second T20I, with captain Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, Moeen Ali, and Jofra Archer playing key roles in their 23-run victory. The team will be keen to replicate this success and secure a 2-0 series win.
- Key Players: Jos Buttler’s leadership and batting prowess, along with Moeen Ali’s all-round capabilities, and Jofra Archer’s pace and precision, will be crucial for England. They will look to their experienced players to provide stability and momentum.
- Weather Concerns: With rain having disrupted two out of the three matches so far, England will be hoping for clear skies to ensure they can play a full match and seal the series.
Pakistan’s Perspective:
- Recent Form: Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam looked in good touch in the second T20I, although the team fell short. The third T20I being washed out was a setback, but they have another opportunity to level the series.
- Key Players: Babar Azam will be pivotal at the top of the order, while pacers like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will be critical in challenging England’s batting lineup. The team will also need better contributions from players like Mohammad Rizwan, who had a disappointing outing in the second T20I.
- Goals: Pakistan will aim to bounce back, using their strong pace attack to disrupt England’s batting and level the series before they head to the USA for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Match Significance:
- For England, a victory would mean a comfortable series win and a confidence boost leading into future fixtures.
- For Pakistan, a win is crucial to not only level the series but also gain momentum and morale ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Weather and Conditions:
- The weather will be a key factor, with both teams hoping for a full match after the disruptions caused by rain in previous games.
- The pitch at the Kennington Oval is traditionally known for supporting batsmen, but conditions could offer some assistance to the bowlers, particularly the pacers.
This fourth T20I promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams aim to make the most of this opportunity amidst a rain-affected series.
Match Details:
| Match | England Vs Pakistan, 4th T20I |
| Venue | Kennington Oval, London |
| Date & Time | Thursday, May 30, 11:00 pm IST |
| Live Broadcast and Streaming | Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV app and website |
Kennington Oval, London Pitch Report
The conditions at Kennington Oval will indeed present a unique challenge for both the batters and bowlers in the fourth T20I between England and Pakistan. Given the characteristics of the pitch, here are the key factors and strategies both teams might consider:
Pitch Conditions and Impact
- Seam and Bounce:
- Early Advantage for Bowlers: The surface assists seam bowlers initially, providing extra bounce and pace. This can make it difficult for batters to settle in early in the innings.
- Strategy: Fast bowlers from both teams should look to exploit the conditions with aggressive, short-pitched bowling and aim to extract movement off the seam.
- Settling Down and Scoring:
- Batters’ Challenge: Batters will need to be cautious in the initial overs, focusing on playing straight and avoiding risky shots until the ball loses some of its initial venom.
- Mid to Late Innings: Once the challenging period is negotiated, scoring runs can become easier, and batters can take advantage of the conditions.
- Spin Factor:
- Turn for Spinners: Spinners might find some assistance later in the game as the pitch wears down, offering turn and variable bounce.
- Utilizing Spinners: Teams should strategically use their spinners in the middle overs to control the run rate and create pressure.
Match Strategy
- Winning the Toss:
- Preferred Choice: The team winning the toss will likely choose to bowl first. This decision will be influenced by the early assistance bowlers are expected to get and the average first innings score of 153, which suggests chasing might be advantageous.
- Bowling Plans:
- For England: Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes will be key with the new ball, aiming to make early inroads. Moeen Ali’s spin could be pivotal in the middle overs.
- For Pakistan: Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will look to exploit the pitch conditions early on, with Shadab Khan providing spin options during the middle overs.
- Batting Plans:
- For England: Jos Buttler and his fellow top-order batsmen will need to exercise caution initially. The middle order, including Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone, can capitalize once the ball softens.
- For Pakistan: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will have to lead from the front, focusing on rotating the strike and building partnerships to anchor the innings. The middle and lower order should be prepared to accelerate once the conditions ease.
Predicted Outcome
The fourth T20I at Kennington Oval promises to be a keenly contested match, with early breakthroughs for bowlers likely to set the tone.todaymatchprediction Teams that can weather the early storm and adapt to the changing conditions will have a significant advantage. Both sides possess the talent and skill to thrive in these conditions, making for an exciting and competitive game.
ENG vs PAK Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | 32 |
| Won by England | 20 |
| Won by Pakistan | 09 |
| No Result (NR) | 03 |
| First-ever Fixture | August 28, 2006 (PAK Won) |
| Most Recent Fixture | May 28, 2024 (NR) |
England:
Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Will Jacks, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley
Pakistan:
Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Azam Khan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir
ENG vs PAK Probable Best Performers
Probable Best Batter:
Jos Buttler’s form is certainly a major positive for England as they head into the fourth T20I against Pakistan at Kennington Oval. His impressive 51-ball 84 in the second T20I showcased his ability to anchor the innings while scoring at a brisk pace, making him a key player for England in the series culminator. Here are some reasons why Buttler could be the best batter in this decisive match:
Factors Supporting Jos Buttler’s Potential Success
- Current Form:
- Buttler’s recent performance indicates he is in great touch. His ability to score quickly while maintaining composure makes him a formidable opponent for any bowling attack.
- Experience and Leadership:
- As a seasoned campaigner and captain, Buttler brings a wealth of experience and tactical acumen to the game. His leadership on the field and ability to read the game situations are invaluable assets.
Probable Best Bowler:
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s presence and performance are indeed pivotal for Pakistan as they prepare for the fourth T20I against England. His ability to take crucial wickets and maintain pressure on the opposition makes him a standout bowler. Here are several reasons why Afridi could be the best bowler in this decisive match:
Factors Supporting Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Potential Success
- Current Form:
- Afridi’s performance in the second T20I, where he took three wickets for 36 runs, demonstrated his ability to trouble even the best batters. His form is crucial for Pakistan’s chances.
- Pace and Swing:
- Afridi’s pace and ability to swing the ball, especially in the early overs, make him a formidable opponent. The extra bounce and movement off the pitch at Kennington Oval will suit his style of bowling.
- Variations:
- Afridi’s ability to bowl yorkers, slower balls, and bouncers keeps batters guessing and makes him effective both in the powerplay and at the death.
- Experience Against Top Batters:
- Afridi has consistently performed against top international batters, and his experience will be crucial in handling the likes of Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, and other key English batters.
Strategic Approach for Afridi
- Exploiting Early Conditions:
- Afridi should aim to exploit the early seam and bounce by pitching the ball in the right areas. Early breakthroughs can put England on the back foot and disrupt their batting plans.
- Targeting Key Wickets:
- Taking the wickets of key players such as Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan will be essential. Afridi’s ability to swing the ball both ways makes him a constant threat to top-order batters.
- Middle and Death Overs:
- Utilizing his variations during the middle overs and at the death will be crucial to containing runs and taking crucial wickets. Afridi’s yorkers and slower balls can be particularly effective in these phases.
Impact on the Team
- Early Breakthroughs: Afridi’s ability to take wickets early can set the tone for Pakistan, applying pressure on the English batters and potentially triggering a collapse.
- Leadership with the Ball: As a spearhead of the bowling attack, Afridi’s performance can inspire and uplift the rest of the Pakistani bowlers, creating a cohesive and effective bowling unit.
Conclusion
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s skills and recent form make him a strong contender to be the best bowler in the fourth T20I against England. His performance will be crucial in countering England’s strong batting lineup and giving Pakistan a competitive edge. If Afridi can replicate his previous success and lead the bowling attack effectively, he can significantly influence the outcome of the match and help Pakistan level the series.
Scenario 1
England win the toss and opt to bowl first
Power Play Score: 40-50
First Innings Score: 170-180
England win the match
Scenario 2
Pakistan win the toss and opt to bowl first
Power Play score: 50-60
First Innings Score: 180-190
England win the match