Pakistan v England / Ed Hawkins / 22 February 2012 /

Ed Hawkins previews the first of three Twenty20 matches, starting in Dubai on Thursday, between Pakistan and England, and can't see a switch from the status quo

4pm start
Live on Sky Sports 1

Pakistan
Not a raft of changes from Pakistan, even if they would appear to be in dire need of an overhaul following the whitewash in the one-day series.

In fact, they look a little weaker. There is no place in the squad for Azhar Ali, the batsman who impressed in the Tests and one-day matches. Instead, in comes Awais Zia, a 25-year-old opener. Zia has a strike rate of 146 in Twenty20.

England
England face the prospect of going back to square one with their Twenty20 side following an injury to Ravi Bopara. Alastair Cook has been retained following Bopara's scare.

It is to be hoped that the temptation to pick Cook is resisted. Cook, who scored 323 runs in the one-day series, impressed. But he has won only four caps in this format and he is not suited to hitting over the top, a skill which T20 demands. Stuart Broad, the Twenty20 leader, may feel a little unsure too if Cook is suddenly in the team and eyeing his job.

Otherwise, big things are expected of Jos Buttler, the Somerset hitter. Jade Dernbach should continue his development as a death bowler.

Venue and conditions
The average first-innings total in the 12 Twenty20 matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium reinforces the view that batting is not easy. A mark of 140 suggests we could be on for a low-scoring affair, particularly with Pakistan's batting vulnerable.
Indeed, only twice has a team scored more than 150 batting first - Pakistan in back-to-back matches against New Zealand in 2009.

Match odds
This three-match series is a meeting of the previous world champions and current holders. Pakistan, who won the title in 2009, are outsiders against England, unsurprisingly. The hosts are [2.02] to win the series with England's champions [1.87].

Given England's dominance in the 50-over series, it is difficult not to see that trend continuing. Pakistan's batting was exposed against superior bowling and although gulf in talent is shortened by the shorter format, the smart cash may be on a 2-1 England victory at [2.44].

England's resurgence has surprised as much as Pakistan's fall from grace. If there is one single reason, it is probably that Pakistan's spinners didn't have the time to tie batsmen in knots, although plenty have done that before to England.

England are [1.85] to win game one with Pakistan [2.16]. A back-to-lay of Pakistan is a possibility but bear in mind that if Pakistan bat first they are vulnerable. Their openers do not score as quickly and they could be one down early on.

Pakistan have a poor head-to-had record against England in T20s, losing five from seven.

Top Pakistan batsman

Umar Akmal is by far and away Pakistan's most successful batsman in this format in the last two years. He has 482 runs under his belt from 19 innings and looks a great wager at around [5.50].

Top England batsman

Kevin Pietersen, who enjoyed back-to-back centuries to quiten the critics, is favourite at around [4.00]. This column was critical of KP in the early stages of the ODIs but he matured into his role quickly.

Recommended bet

Back England to win T20 series 2-1 @ [2.44]

Pietersen top scored with 62 when these teams met on this ground in the second T20 international in 2010. He also hit 43 not out in the first match. Eoin Morgan top scored in that one and is always a tempting alternative at around [6.00]. Craig Kieswetter is expected to partner Pietersen at the top of the order.

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