Pakistan likely playing XI for first T20I against England

Pakistan's cricket team is gearing up for the first T20 International (T20I) of the four-match series against England, set to take place in Leeds on Wednesday.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, announced that he will bat at the number three position. Consequently, Mohammad Rizwan is set to open the innings alongside either Usman Khan or Saim Ayub.

Saim Ayub had an intensive one-and-a-half-hour training session with white-ball coach Gary Kirsten. It remains to be seen whether Pakistan will provide Saim with another opportunity or opt to test Usman Khan further before finalizing their T20 World Cup squad.

The middle order comprises powerful hitters like Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan who will don the wicketkeeping gloves, Iftikhar Ahmed, and all-rounder Imad Wasim, offering the team a solid foundation for scoring runs and accelerating the innings when required.

Pakistan is expected to go with a four-man pace attack which will be led by Shaheen Afridi, and supported by Abbas Afridi, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Amir.

The team management's tactical adjustment is also influenced by the prevailing overcast conditions and the anticipated chance of rain.

Pakistan’s likely XI:

Saim Ayub/Usman Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir