England vs Pakistan 2nd T20 tips and predictions: Buttler's boys hoping to get started in style

After a dismal defence of the 50-over World Cup in India, England now turn their focus to the shortest format with their T20 World Cup defence beginning in two weeks time. 

For coach Matthew Mott and captain Jos Buttler the pressure will firmly be on, but one thing that England do have is batters in form.

One of them is Phil Salt, the opener has been in great form in the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders, scoring 435 at an average of 39.55 and a strike rate of 182.0.

Edgbaston is one of England's strongholds which could play into his hands, he also scored two hundreds during the winter tour to the West Indies, so making Salt England's top runscorer looks worth a punt.

As well as Salt there's an abundance of six hitters in the England squad including Buttler, Will Jacks and Harry Brook, so England to hit the most sixes seems a given.

Planet Sport Bet offer- Bet £10, get a £5 free bet if either team scores over 200 runs in 1st T20

Pakistan are nursing their wounds after their own disappointing campaign in India, but Gary Kirsten has come aboard the ship and there's no doubt that there's plenty of talent in the Pakistan squad, who were defeated by Wednesday's hosts in the 2022 final.

However, their recent record against England in this format is hardly startling, losing seven of their last 10 including a 4-3 series defeat on home soil in 2022.

Shaheen Shah Afridi is undoubtedly the star of Pakistan's bowling attack and his career strike rate of 15.0 is mightily impressive and with the weather gods predicted to play a part, he could get the ball talking under the lights in Leeds. 

With the weather forecast looking better than it did in Leeds, we're predicting that England will continue their good recent record against Pakistan with a comfortable win.

 

Suggested bets

England to win

England Top Run Scorer- Phil Salt

Pakistan Top Wicket Taker- Shaheen Shah Afridi

Most Sixes- England