England vs Pakistan, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, Canberra: Preview, likely XI, prediction

Having got their first wins of the campaign, England and Pakistan will now look to build on their gains when they clash in a potential thriller in Canberra on Friday, February 28.

England currently lead Group B on the basis on net run-rate, but victory for them is imperative given their opening loss to South Africa. If they lose, their prospects of qualifying for the semi-finals will hinge on how other teams fare, and that’s not a position that the 2018 finalists will want to be in, especially given their final match will be against the formidable West Indies side.

England did bounce back from that opening defeat with a 98-run win against Thailand, but that victory against the minnows of the group wouldn’t have fully answered the questions being asked of them. This clash against Pakistan, meanwhile, can potentially be tournament-defining for England.

Pakistan have plenty of reasons to be confident. Their victory over West Indies in their only match so far would have done wonders for their confidence. It was an all-round display, beginning with the bowlers restricting West Indies to a paltry 124/7 to their batters confidently charging down the target for an eight-wicket victory.

A victory against England now could set Pakistan up very nicely for a spot in the semi-finals – you can be sure they’ll do whatever they can to do just that.

Head to head

Historically, this is a rivalry that is dominated by England. In 13 matches, they have been victorious in 12. Pakistan have only had the better of one match against England so far – in 2013 during a bilateral series – but if they make that two on Friday, Pakistan will have the bragging rights.

Key players

Heather Knight (England): As captain, Heather Knight is already a crucial player, but she also comes in at a crucial position among the batters. To counter Pakistan’s spinners, England need Knight to come in at No.4 and glue the innings together. Her success rate will be England’s success rate.

Javeria Khan (Pakistan): Pakistan’s batting is one area where the team has a question mark, but in Javeria Khan, they have someone who can set the tone early. She scored a fine 28-ball 35 against West Indies, and looked in good nick. Pakistan will hope she can continue doing that.

Likely XIs

England: Amy Jones (wk), Danni Wyatt, Nat Sciver, Heather Knight (c), Fran Wilson, Katherine Brunt, Tammy Beaumont, Laura Winfield, Sophie Ecclestone, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Glenn

Pakistan: Muneeba Ali, Javeria Khan, Bismah Maroof (c), Nida Dar, Umaima Sohail, Iram Javed, Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Aiman Anwer, Diana Baig, Anam Amin

Prediction

England to win.