Pakistan v England First Test: Prediction & Best Bets

The highly anticipated Test series between Pakistan and England gets underway tomorrow morning at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Brendon McCullum’s side will be looking to end off what has been a brilliant year under the Kiwi on a high. Cricket punter Lwanele Poswayo has you covered with a prediction and the best bets for this historic Test.

Imam-ul-Haq

When it comes to the first match of any series, I usually go with the players that are in form. Imam-ul-Haq has been in great form and has an unbelievable record at home. He has scored 370 runs in 3 matches at an average of 74 and I expect him to take full advantage of an England bowling attack that is not suited to these conditions. He also has scores of 157 and 111* in his two innings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

In the previous Rawalpindi Test earlier in the year, there were three centuries made by openers and I expect Imam to be one of them once again.

There are a number of good options in the Pakistani batting lineup but there is a lot of value in backing the left-handed opener at 5.00.

Suggested Bet: Imam-ul-Haq to be Pakistan’s top batsman at 5.00

Alternative Bet: Abdullah Shafique to Score 50+ runs in the 1st Innings at 2.60

Joe Root

I have to go with Root mainly because of his consistency and his record in sub-continent conditions. He has failed to go past 40 in his last seven innings in Asia after scoring at least 186 in three of the previous five innings. He’s due a big score in these conditions and I expect him to deliver for his team.

Suggested Bet: Joe Root to score 50+ runs in the 1st innings at 2.10

Draw

Pakistan have remained unbeaten in Rawalpindi (W2, D2) since cricket returned to this country in 2019. This venue is known as a batsmen’s paradise with the recent game ending in a draw, with Pakistan posting 476-4 and 252-0 in their second innings while Australia were bowled out for 459. I expect more of the same, especially with England’s bowling lineup lacking pace in the absence of Mark Wood, and not being suited to these conditions.

I suggest going for a draw as there’s value there or you could take the safer bet which is Pakistan or draw.

Suggested Bet: Draw at 3.25

Suggested Bet: Pakistan or draw at 1.33

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at this venue has been a good track for batting like most sub-continent pitches. In the initial days of the match, the pacers can get some assistance. The spinners can certainly play a part in the latter stages of the match. However, it is certain that the batters will enjoy themselves at this venue. The average first innings score since 2019 is 322.

Form

Pakistan: LWLDD
England: WWLWW

*Most recent matches first.