England vs Pakistan 2020, 2nd T20I, Manchester - Weather Forecast
Old Trafford, Manchester. (Credits: Twitter)

If the rain wouldn’t get you, bad light would. If bad light doesn’t you, then rain obviously will. Unfortunately, this has been the story of the ongoing Pakistan tour of England.

After the damp squib of a Test series that saw the last two games heavily affected by inclement weather and bad light, the first match of the Vitality T20I series at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester also became the victim of rain as the game was abandoned after just 16.1 overs of play in England’s first innings.

Even though we had just 16.1 overs in the first T20I, we were treated to a plethora of enthralling moments from both sides. Tom Banton had come into the English side last year with a huge reputation and the Somerset batsman showed why he is rated so highly in English circles.

He had a bit of luck on his side thanks to atrocious Pakistani slip-fielding but after a scratchy start, the right-hander settled into a brilliant rhythm. Out came his slop sweeps and scoops as he laid into Shadab Khan and other Pakistani bowlers.

 

England batsman sans Tom Banton struggled against Pakistan’s spinners in the last game

England, Pakistan
Shadab Khan. (Credits: Twitter)

Banton smoked a whirlwind 42-ball 71, but just as he was looking set for a possible three-figure score, Shadab Khan finally got one back on him, giving Pakistan a much-needed break.

Barring Banton, none of the other English batsmen looked settled against Pakistan spinners. Babar Azam rotated his spinners brilliantly. Even when Banton was going great guns, the young skipper kept the spinners on, and the move eventually paid off in the end.

Post Banton’s dismissal, England proceeded to lose 3-14 in three overs. Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim claimed two wickets apiece while Iftikhar also chipped in with one.

England were struggling at 6-131 when the heavens opened up, paving way for an eventual pre-mature end to the game. Coming into the second T20I, the biggest question is ‘Will rain finally relent and allow us to witness a complete game?’

Also Read- England vs Pakistan 2020, 2nd T20I, Preview: Both Sides Look To Draw First Blood After A Washout

England vs Pakistan 2020, 2nd T20I- Weather Forecast

One can never predict the English weather and especially that of Old Trafford’s, but if the weather reports are to be believed, we might just get a rain-free game on Saturday.

According to the weather report, the temperature is set to hover between 15-7 degrees, and while it could be overcast at times, the chances of rain having a significant impact on the rest are minimal.

England, Pakistan
(Source: AccuWeather)