http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 v England – 1st T20I – Toss Report
England’s Twenty20 skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SCJ-Broad-c2465, has decided to field first in the first T20I against Pakistan being played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, February 23, 2012.
Pakistani skipper, Misbah-ul-Haq, was least bothered after losing the toss, as he was looking to bat first anyway.
Pakistan has opted for youth in their line-up with two players making their debuts. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Imran-c64193 Farhat’s absence has opened the doors for Awais “Mini Boom Boom” Zia. Hammad Azam is in the Pakistani side as an all-rounder.
Umar Gul, the right arm fast bowler, makes his return to the Green colours, while the left-arm spinner, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Abdur-Rehman-c41691 is axed from the side. Selectors have given Shoaib Malik another chance to make amends for his lacklustre performances in the ODI’s.
Speaking about the Pakistani line-up, Misbah said, “I would have batted first. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Adnan-Akmal-c42042. Zia has been performing well in the domestic circuit. We are professionals and we have to
deal with the fact that we are away from home. Morale is high and we look to play positively.”
There were rumours that http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RS-Bopara-c2373 was declared fit and included
in the playing XI.
Broad revealed that England will continue to open the innings with Kevin Pietersen, as they expect him to torment the Pakistani bowlers just as he did in the ODI’s. Craig Kieswetter, the wicket-keeper batsman, will open the innings along with Pietersen.
Broad said, “KP will open the batting. Bairstow comes in at five and Finn is in the team. We want to maintain the winning momentum. We need to focus on this game carefully.”
Pakistan playing XI:
1 http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mohammad-Junaid-Khan-c77037
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 playing XI:
1 http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ST-Finn-c2566
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