Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler has been in brilliant form in ODIs Getty Images

Pakistan play England in the first of the three T20 internationals scheduled in Dubai on Thursday, 26 November, as the South Asians look to avenge their 1-3 defeat at the hands of the English in the recently-concluded One Day tournament. The series will be an apt preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is scheduled next year.

Where to watch live

Coverage is set to begin at 3.30pm GMT. Live coverage of the match will be available on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports 2 HD.

Overview

Pakistan have a mix of youth and experience to get them over the finish line, with veterans including Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik expected to hold fort, while upcoming stars in the form of Yasir Shah and Zafar Gohar will look to confirm their position in the squad . A win here will provide a good base for them to overcome their disappointment in the One Day internationals and help them instil some more confidence ahead of a busy international calendar in the upcoming year.

Pakistan have played more than any team in this format, making 92 appearances since its induction, while playing 11 in the period following the 2014 World Cup. They are on a six-game winning streak, beating the likes of Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in the process.

Meanwhile, England, have not lost a T20 game since being humbled by Netherlands in the World T20 tournament in Bangladesh in 2014. They have played four games since the big event, winning three of the same and will be looking to use this opportunity to build on their brilliant ODI form, which was on display in the recently concluded series.

Betting odds (BET 365)

  • Pakistan win: 1
  • England win: 4/5

Team news

England

Possible XI: Ahmed Shehzad, Rafatullah Mohmand, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmed (WK), Shahid Afridi (C), Bilal Asif, Anwar Ali, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan.

England

Possible XI: Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C), Jos Buttler (WK), James Vince, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, David Willey, Reece Topley

Pakistan England