England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I Match Preview

England will lock horns with Pakistan in the third T20I at the Sophia Gardens ground in Cardiff on May 28. Jos Buttler led England were brilliant with both the bat and ball in the second T20I match and will be hoping to continue their performance in the third match. English captain Jos Buttler played a brilliant hand with the bat, whereas the bowlers displayed a complete team performance. With the T20 World Cup 2024 approaching, England will want to win the third T20I match and add their hands to the trophy. On the other hand, Pakistan hopes to make a comeback in the four-match series after losing the second match.

The Babar Azam-led side was completely clueless with the ball and lost wickets at regular intervals during their chase. England led by Jos Buttler, has a strong squad with experienced players like Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, and Adil Rashid. Their depth and versatility make them formidable opponents. Pakistan, captained by Babar Azam, will rely on key players such as Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shadab Khan to deliver crucial performances. The upcoming T20I at The Oval on Thursday, May 30 is crucial for Pakistan. The series has seen intense competition and weather interruptions.

The series will be levelled if Pakistan wins, setting up an exciting finale. However, a loss would give England an unassailable lead. Both teams are fully aware of the stakes. This match is an opportunity for Pakistan to bounce back and showcase their resilience. For Moeen Ali and England, it's a chance to seal the series win on home soil. Fans are hoping for clear skies to enjoy an uninterrupted and thrilling contest. The cricketing world will be watching closely as the teams prepare for this crucial match. The anticipation for a high-quality T20 match remains high despite the unpredictable weather. The outcome of this game will not only influence the series but also set the tone for the final showdown at The Oval.

ENG vs PAK 3rd T20I: Cardiff Weather and Pitch Report

The weather in Cardiff is expected to be less than ideal. AccuWeather predicts a 66% chance of rain in the afternoon and a 50% chance during the match, which is set to commence at 6:30 pm local time. Overcast conditions are expected all day, potentially affecting playing conditions and strategies for both teams. According to the reports, there is a prediction of patchy rain in the afternoon and drizzle in the morning. The temperature is expected to be around 14°C with minimal rainfall of 0.1 mm and complete cloud cover at 100%. There is a significant chance of rain potentially affecting the match. The pitch at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff is expected to have an even pace and bounce. Initially, there may be some seam movement for the fast bowlers due to the moisture on the surface. However, as the game progresses, it will become easier for batting. Pacers who bowl hard length may be more effective than pure swing bowlers. The team batting second may have the advantage as the wicket will not change much going into the second innings. Considering the team batting second has emerged as the winner in six out of nine games at the venue, the captain winning the toss will likely choose to field first.

Predicted England Playing XI

Jos Buttler will not play in England's third T20I against Pakistan as he is on paternity leave. After leading England to a 23-run victory at Edgbaston on Saturday, giving them a 1-0 lead in the four-match series, Buttler travelled back home to London. This comes as he and his wife Louise are expecting their third child very soon. It's also possible that Duckett could replace Buttler at the top of the order. This would allow England's main batting lineup to practice in their likely roles for the T20 World Cup 2024. Mark Wood was seen bowling extensively before Saturday's match with his knee heavily strapped. He might be considered for the Cardiff match if England decides to be cautious with Jofra Archer's fitness after his return to international cricket. There's also a chance that Tom Hartley could make his T20I debut before the World Cup, as England is eager to give him the opportunity.

England Playing 11

Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (WK), Jonny Bairstow, Will Jacks, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali (C), Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley

Jos Buttler, Phil Salt (WK), Jonny Bairstow, Will Jacks, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali (C), Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley, Sam Curran, Mark Wood, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley.

Predicted Pakistan Playing XI

On the other hand, Pakistan is looking to bounce back in the four-match series after losing in the second match. The team led by Babar Azam struggled with the ball and kept losing wickets at regular intervals during their chase. Pakistan will likely back their boys and go with the same team for the 3rd T20I.

Pakistan Playing 11

Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Azam Khan (WK), Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir

Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Azam Khan (WK), Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Abbas Afridi, Irfan Khan, Usman Khan, Agha Salman.