Pakistan v England 5th T20 – Preview & Pitch Report

With the series hanging in balance (2-2), Pakistan and English lock horns in Lahore for the fifth T20I scheduled on September 28 at Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the win over England in the previous game which levelled the series 2-2. 

Despite Mohammad Rizwan’s 67-ball 88, Pakistan ended up with a below par total of 166 runs. 

England seemed well on course to get to the target, courtesy of a 24-run 18th over bowled by Mohammad Hasnain.

However, as Haris Rauf took wickets off consecutive deliveries and then the run-out in the final over helped Pakistan gather a victory by three runs.

England’s latest find, Harry Brook has smashed 188 runs in four games.

For England, Mark Wood was particularly impressive in his only outing. Reece Topley has also done a fine job. 

While England’s top order is yet to fire, Harry Brook and Ben Duckett have been decent touch, with a couple of cameos from stand-in captain Moeen Ali as well.

England have scored at 9.44 per over in the series till now but have lost a wicket every 21.5 balls.

Pakistan on the other hand have scored at 8.61 but have retained their wickets for longer, 25.1 deliveries to be precise.

England white-ball skipper Jos Buttler is likely to miss all seven matches of the series.

Head coach Matthew Mott saying he is not willing to take any risk with the injured player just weeks before the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia next month.

Pitch Report

The pitch at the Gaddafi Stadium is batting paradise, and considering the quality of batters in both teams, a high-scoring encounter is definitely on the cards in Lahore.

This surface is a flat one where there will be little or no help for the bowler. The batters will be able to play the shots on the rise, trusting the bounce on the wicket, It will be a real test for the bowlers. Captain winning the toss will choose to bowl first, expect a bit of dew in the latter half of the second innings.