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Remind me next time

England turn their attention to their opening Twenty20 international against Pakistan on Friday after edging a weather-effected Test series between the two teams. 

We take a look at who will come out on top during Friday's opening T20 at Old Trafford.

England vs Pakistan T20 Prediction

England to win - BET NOW

England were hoping this series would act as preparation for the upcoming World Cup, but that competition has been delayed by 12 months due to the coronavirus pandemic, although the series still presents an opportunity for a number of players to stake a claim for a place in that squad next year.

The hosts have opted to leave out all the players that were involved in the recent Test series with Pakistan, with the likes of Joe Root, Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler being rested, but the spine of the team is still strong with captain Eoin Morgan being ably supported by the likes of Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow.

History certainly favours England, as they have won 11 of their 15 previous T20 internationals against Pakistan, including the narrow victory they claimed when the two teams last met in the shortest format of the game just over a year ago.

Indeed, England have won their last four T20 series' in a row, seeing off New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies, so confidence should be high despite the changes made to the squad.

Eoin Morgan Top England Batsman - BET NOW

Given the much-changed look to the squad, England captain Morgan is likely to have to lead by example on the field at Old Trafford - luckily that is something he has been doing on a regular basis.

The 33-year-old has not played a T20 international since February, but his 57 not out against South Africa in Centurion did help England secure a series victory during that tour.

Morgan has recorded a half-century in three of his last five T20 matches, including a notch of 91 against New Zealand last November, while he also top scored for England during their most recent meeting with Pakistan last year.

Babar Azam Top Pakistan Batsman - BET NOW

Top-order batsman Azam was named captain of Pakistan's T20 team in June and he will, therefore, be leading his team for the first time at Old Trafford on Friday, ironically that was also the venue for his international debut in the shortest format of the game back in 2016.

Azam may be only 25, but he has emerged as one of the best batsmen in the world in all formats of the game, particularly T20 cricket, where he currently tops the ICC batting rankings.

It is easy to see why Azam is so highly regarded, as he has registered three half centuries from his last five T20 innings, while he also twice went past 50 during this month's Test series with England, including a knock of 69 at Old Trafford.

Azam is certainly likely to be Pakistan's dangerman on Friday, although heroics from the skipper alone may not be enough to prevent England from taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

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