Rain delays the third T20I between England and Pakistan in Cardiff, leading to match abandonment. © Twitter (@Arain_417)
The third T20I between England and Pakistan, scheduled for Tuesday night in Cardiff, was abandoned without a single ball being bowled due to consistent rain. This second washout of the series has left both teams short on vital match practice as they get ready for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Series Disruption
The series opener in Leeds also fell victim to the weather, with only 39.2 overs of the planned 120 being completed. The abandoned match in Cardiff means that only one of the scheduled three matches has been played, significantly disrupting the teams’ preparations.
Absentees and Potential Line-ups
Jos Buttler, England’s captain, did not travel to Cardiff as he remained in London to be with his wife, who is expecting their third child. In his absence, Moeen Ali was set to lead the side. The match was particularly important for players like Mark Wood and Sam Curran. Wood was due to make his first appearance since early March, while Curran was expected to feature after being left out of the previous match at Edgbaston. Notably, Jofra Archer was to be rested to manage his workload following a lengthy injury recovery.
Weather Impact
Heavy rain began early on Tuesday morning in Cardiff and persisted throughout the day. Despite a brief respite in the afternoon, the rain returned around 5:15 PM, delaying the toss multiple times. Ultimately, umpires Mike Burns and Russell Warren decided to abandon the match at 8:12 PM, disappointing a sold-out crowd eager for cricket action.
Looking Ahead: The Final Match and World Cup Preparation
With the final match of the series set for Thursday at The Oval, both teams are hopeful for at least a shortened game to gain some much-needed match practice. However, the weather forecast for South London is not very promising. Should the final match also face disruption, both England and Pakistan will head into the World Cup relatively undercooked compared to their competitors.
Pakistan might have an edge in terms of recent playtime. They drew 2-2 with New Zealand in April and secured a 2-1 victory over Ireland earlier this month. These matches have given them more recent exposure to T20 cricket, which could be beneficial as they head into the World Cup.
In contrast, England has played only one T20I since December 2021. This lack of recent T20I action could pose a challenge as they aim to regain their rhythm and form before the World Cup. The team is scheduled to travel to Barbados on Friday, with Buttler potentially rejoining in time for the final series match, weather permitting.
The washouts have undoubtedly impacted the series, leaving both England and Pakistan with minimal match practice. As they look forward to the T20 World Cup, both teams will need to rely on their experience and adaptability to overcome this setback. Fans and players will be hoping for clear skies and uninterrupted cricket as the final T20I approaches, offering one last opportunity for crucial game-time before the global tournament.
Stay tuned for further updates as England and Pakistan make their final preparations for the T20 World Cup, hoping to shake off the rain-soaked disappointment of this disrupted series.
