England vs Pakistan 1st ODI 2021 is going to be played under a lot of interest from around the world as England was forced to change its entire player lineup just two days ahead of the match. Such are the times that we live in during and people are not batting an eye and are actually excited to see the English youngsters step up. Pakistan has not won a bilateral ODI series in England since 1974 but this is its best chance yet.
As an ODI team, Pakistan also has to change and step into the modern era. It is not quite as straightforward a call even though Pakistan is going to be playing against an England A side at best. Check out 10cric for the best odds for this match.
England vs Pakistan 1st ODI 2021
Teams’ strengths & weaknesses
England has a strong domestic structure and that is why it has been among the strongest white-ball teams for the last six years. Now is the time to be able to showcase that depth. Its strength has to be the aggression with which its batters are taught to play. They are going to come into this match and come at Pakistan hard. The weakness has to be the lack of experience that can possibly make the players make wrong choices under pressure. England also does not have a great spin-bowling option to turn to.
Pakistan's biggest strength is its bowling. It always has been and that is what will help it win matches this time as well. There are at least three genuine world-class fast-bowlers that can make the most of the conditions on offer. Also, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are terrific batsmen in good form. The weakness for Pakistan is its middle-order. That is not settled and the players are going to be playing for their positions. Pakistan also does not have an established power-hitter in the lineup.
Players in form
Ben Stokes has been playing the T20 Blast for Durham and is in good form. He is a bit short of runs but he has been scoring at a good strike rate and picking up wickets consistently. Similarly, Brydon Carse is another player to watch out for. He is a left-handed fast-bowler and is going to be leading the attack in the first match.
Pakistan's leading players were involved in the Pakistan Super League just prior to this series. Among the players that made an impact, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Sohaib Maqsood stand out. All three of them scored runs but it was the high tempo style of play that Sohaib Maqsood displayed that makes him one of the players to watch out for.
Match conditions
The match is going to be played in Cardiff. Rain is always a problem in England but the sun is expected to be out for this match. The conditions are helpful for bowling and that is something that the fast-bowlers from both teams will enjoy.
Game statistics
- Pakistan has not won a bilateral series in England from 1974
- England has never defeated Pakistan in Cardiff
- There are nine debutants in the England squad
Predictions
Pakistan is playing away from home but it has done well in England in the past. England may be without its best players but it is still full of some very talented youngsters. They may find it tough to face the quality of Pakistan's bowling attack, though.
England's batting is dangerous but it lacks the experience needed to succeed at this level. It is also going to be very hard to come up with all the right players needed at the right positions immediately. England is really up against the wall as England vs Pakistan 1st ODI 2021 approaches.
Winner: Pakistan (1.83)
