England vs Pakistan 4th T20I Match Preview

England will lock horns with Pakistan in the fourth T20I at the Kennington Oval ground in London on May 30. Jos Buttler led England were brilliant with both the bat and ball in the second T20I match but unfortunately the third match got washed out due to rain. 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 fourth 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 Kennington 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, closing with an exciting finish. However, a loss would give England the T20I series 2-0. Both teams are fully aware of the stakes. This match is an opportunity for Pakistan to bounce back and showcase their resilience. For stand-in captain 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 upcoming showdown at the T20 World Cup 2024.

ENG vs PAK 4th T20I: Kennington Oval, London Weather and Pitch Report

The pitch at Kennington Oval is expected to offer something for the fast bowlers due to its greenish surface. However, there may be minimal lateral movement. In the 15 T20Is played at this venue, the team batting first has emerged victorious several times. The average first-innings total at this venue is 161 in T20Is. Spinners are also expected to get some help from the pitch. While the game may not be a high-scoring thriller, it is expected to be highly competitive. 

The ongoing threat of rain at The Oval may once again disappoint fans hoping to see England take on Pakistan. With the first and third T20I games already affected by rain, there is a strong possibility of further interruptions due to rain and thunderstorms. England has taken an unassailable lead and would be declared the winners if rain interrupts and Pakistan fails to level the series. According to the weather forecast, there is a 25% chance of rain at 11 AM, which increases to 70% at 4 PM. The rain is expected to continue until 8-9 PM, increasing the likelihood of the game being abandoned.

Predicted England Playing XI

Jos Buttler will not play in England's fourth T20I against Pakistan as he is on paternity leave. After leading England to a 23-run victory at Edgbaston in the 2nd T20I, 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 Kennington Oval 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 T20I series after losing in the second match and the other two getting washed out. 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 4th 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.