Twenty20 / Ed Hawkins / 18 February 2010 /

The world champions meet the world also-rans in Dubai on Friday for the first of two matches. But can Pakistan be trusted to inflict defeat on an England team who will at least be busting a gut? Ed Hawkins tries to find out

Team news
The question the England and Pakistan selectors, never mind punters, must answer before the first of two Twenty20 internationals in Dubai is: are the reserves the stronger outfit? Certainly it would appear so with both senior sides losing to their 'A' teams in the last few days.

England, rather predictably, were shown up by the Lions squad, losing off the last ball of the match as the supposed junior team chased down 158. The performances of Craig Kieswetter, the Somerset wicketkeeper who hit 81 off 61 balls and opener Michael Lumb, 58 from 35, would have undermined the confidence of Matt Prior and Joe Denly, who could be replaced by their opposite numbers. Adil Rashid, with three wickets at fewer than six an over also should be considered in a match where spin could be important.

Pakistan were undone by Mohammad Hafeez, who must surely come into contention following his allround show for the A team on Wednesday. The offbreak bowler opened the bowling, took two wickets and then opened the batting, scoring 41. There is no Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Mohammad Aamer or Mohammad Asif for Pakistan, which merely highlights the strength in depth for the world champions.

Pitch conditions
The Sheikh Zayed stadium is one of the less well-known cricket grounds around the world. Bone up quickly, though as more and more international games will be played there. There is nothing spectacular about it, a departure for the rich-boy playground that is Dubai, in terms of aesthetics or the nature of the wicket. With an average first-innings total of 139 in the last 10 Twenty20 internationals played and a 50-50 toss split, there is little for bettors or either team to fret about.

Match odds
The Betfair series market expects these sides to cancel each other out with one apiece. The draw is [2.16] with Pakistan [2.82] and England [3.90]. Granted there is a gulf between the sides in terms of achievements but there is an overwhelming feeling that Pakistan are a side not to be trusted in soft contests like these.

Pakistan need something to stir their loins, the World Twenty20 a fine example when they had the opportunity to remind everyone that their nation was a proud one. They took that chance but have since slipped back into bad old habits, failing to win a game on a disastrous tour to Australia.

Still, their win percentage has to be respected. It stands at an incredible 75% which makes them by far the best, and most consistent side in the world. When you consider that England, who are [2.24] to win game one, have won only 39% of their games, the trusting could well consider Pakistan at [1.79], a stand out bet.

The key to the contests will be how England play spin, specifically Sajeed Ajmal, who took 2-23 when the sides met at The Oval in the World Twenty20 last year. England won that game. But before you get excited, the killer stat is this: England have won only two matches of the 10 they have had to chase in.

Top batsman
There are two men who are likely to enjoy most support for top-bats. The innovative Eoin Morgan should be available at around [7.0] for England whilst Shoaib Malik is likely to be a similar price and should give us a run for our money if he bats at five or higher.

Morgan, who is actually Irish, bats with the freedom, verve and confidence which betrays his blue tunic. He is set to be a fine one-day player and the clamour to sign him from IPL franchises was a pointer to his ability.

Featured market
All eyes will be on Kevin Pietersen, whose poor form continued with a scratchy 26 in the warm-up. KP is [1.86] to outscore Jonthan Trott, [1.95], who top scored for England last time out.

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

:

:

:

?

: