England have a 60% win probability, while Pakistan have a 40% chance of victory.
Key reasons:
- England have won four of the last five completed ODI meetings against Pakistan.
- Joe Root, Ben Duckett and Harry Brook give England a strong batting core.
- England's varied bowling attack could challenge Pakistan's batters, although the hosts' pace attack remains a major threat.
PAK vs ENG Betting Tips
England are our selection to win the second ODI. They have won four of the last five completed ODI meetings against Pakistan, and their batting depth gives them several ways to build or chase a substantial total. Their versatile bowling attack should also be capable of testing Pakistan's top order.
Babar scored 45 off 57 balls against Sri Lanka in Pakistan's opening match. Although he did not convert his start into a half-century, he showed that he can anchor the innings after early wickets. If he gets through England's opening bowling spell, his technique and experience could help him produce a bigger score.
Root's ability to manage the middle overs makes him an appealing batting option. If Pakistan's fast bowlers make early inroads, England will need a composed innings to rebuild. Root can rotate the strike against spin and accelerate when opportunities arise, making him a strong candidate to pass 35.5 runs.
Match details
| Match information | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Pakistan vs England, 2nd ODI |
| Tournament | Pakistan ODI Tri-Series, 2026 |
| Date | October 20, 2026 |
| Time | 1:30 PM local time |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi |
| Pakistan win probability | 40% |
| England win probability | 60% |
| England win odds | 1.50 |
Pakistan vs England 2nd ODI prediction
Pakistan and England meet in the second match of the tri-series, with Sri Lanka completing the three-team tournament. Pakistan have already collected two points after defeating Sri Lanka by 37 runs, while England begin their campaign with a demanding fixture against the hosts.
The 50-over format places a premium on batting depth, partnerships and the ability to maintain scoring through the middle overs. Pakistan demonstrated their potential in the opening match, recovering from early wickets before posting 305. England will need to combine disciplined bowling with the attacking intent that has become a feature of their white-ball cricket.
England's recent head-to-head record gives them confidence. They have won four of the last five completed ODI meetings against Pakistan, and their batting lineup has several players capable of taking control of an innings. Joe Root offers stability, Ben Duckett can attack in the powerplay, and Harry Brook brings aggressive intent in the middle order.
Pakistan's best route to victory is to use their pace attack effectively and make early breakthroughs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf can trouble England's batters if they find movement and maintain disciplined lengths.
The hosts also need to build on the positive signs from their first match. Salman Ali Agha's century was crucial against Sri Lanka, while Babar Azam and Saad Baig made useful contributions. If Pakistan can produce another strong batting performance, they have the ability to challenge England.
We expect a competitive contest, but England's batting depth and recent record give them the edge.
Head-to-head record
England have won four of the most recent five completed ODIs against Pakistan. That record highlights their success in the rivalry in recent years and supports their position as favourites for this match.
Pakistan will nevertheless take confidence from playing at home and from their opening victory in the tri-series. Their pace attack has the ability to put England under pressure, especially if Shaheen Shah Afridi strikes early.
England's challenge will be to maintain their composure against Pakistan's fast bowlers and avoid losing several wickets in quick succession. Their experienced batting core should help them navigate difficult periods, while their bowling options give them flexibility across different phases of the innings.
The historical trend favours England, but Pakistan's home advantage means the visitors will need to perform well to extend their recent dominance.
Tournament standings
Pakistan lead the tri-series table with two points and a net run rate of +0.74 after one match. England are yet to play and have zero points, while Sri Lanka sit behind Pakistan after losing their opening fixture.
A victory would give England an important start to their campaign and put them in a strong position in the tournament. Pakistan, meanwhile, will aim to build on their opening result and strengthen their position at the top of the table.
Pakistan preview
Pakistan made a winning start to the tri-series, defeating Sri Lanka by 37 runs. Salman Ali Agha's century rescued the innings after early wickets, while Babar Azam contributed 45 and Saad Baig added 39. Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 305 in 49.5 overs.
The result was encouraging, although the hosts will want to improve their finishing after losing several wickets late in the innings. Against England, maintaining wickets during the final overs could be particularly important if Pakistan are to post another imposing total.
The bowling attack was another positive. Shaheen Shah Afridi took 3/55, while Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf claimed two wickets apiece. That spread of contributions gives Pakistan several options to attack England's batting lineup.
The new ball will be especially important. Shaheen and Naseem can put pressure on England's top order, while Haris Rauf offers pace and wicket-taking ability later in the innings. Abrar Ahmed could provide a useful spin option through the middle overs.
Pakistan must avoid giving England's aggressive batters easy scoring opportunities. If their bowlers maintain discipline and their batting lineup builds another strong total, the hosts have a realistic chance of upsetting the prediction.
Pakistan's predicted playing XI
- Fakhar Zaman
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Salman Ali Agha
- Hasan Nawaz
- Saad Baig (wk)
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (c)
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Abrar Ahmed
England preview
England have a strong blend of experienced batters, aggressive stroke-makers and varied bowling options. Joe Root offers stability, Harry Brook brings attacking intent as captain, and Ben Duckett can put pressure on bowlers during the powerplay.
England's batting depth is a key advantage. Root can anchor an innings, while Duckett and Brook can accelerate the scoring rate. Their ability to maintain momentum without taking unnecessary risks could prove decisive against Pakistan's fast bowlers.
Jos Buttler is unavailable following hamstring surgery, while Jacob Bethell is also absent through injury. Sam Curran returns to the squad, providing another left-handed batting option and a versatile bowling choice.
England's bowlers will need to be disciplined against Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha, who can build partnerships once they settle. Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson could be important during the middle overs, while the seamers will look to exploit any early movement.
England will be aware that Pakistan have already demonstrated their ability to recover from early wickets and post a substantial total. Taking wickets at regular intervals will be essential if the visitors are to restrict the hosts and make the most of their batting advantage.
England's predicted playing XI
- Ben Duckett
- Tom Banton
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook (c)
- Jordan Cox
- Will Jacks
- Sam Curran
- Jamie Overton
- Liam Dawson
- Adil Rashid
- Gus Atkinson
Toss prediction
The captain winning the toss may prefer to bowl first, with conditions expected to remain favourable under lights. Chasing could offer the advantage of knowing the required target and adjusting the scoring rate accordingly.
Pakistan's opening match showed that Rawalpindi can produce substantial totals, but Sri Lanka's reply also demonstrated that a competitive target can be chased if the batting side builds partnerships.
The toss decision will depend on the actual pitch conditions and whether dew is expected later in the day. Both captains will need to assess the surface before deciding whether to bat first or chase.
Pitch report and weather conditions
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium produced a competitive first-match total. Pakistan scored 305 against Sri Lanka, who replied with 268. The result suggests a surface where batters can score freely once settled, although one match alone is not enough to establish a definitive par score.
The quick outfield and batting-friendly conditions should favour players who find their timing. England's aggressive top order could enjoy the conditions, but Pakistan's batters will also be familiar with the surface.
A substantial first-innings total may be required to put the opposition under pressure. However, neither team should assume that posting more than 300 guarantees victory, particularly if the chasing side gets a strong start.
The forecast calls for clear skies, temperatures around 26°C, moderate humidity near 58% and light winds. Conditions appear settled, with minimal weather disruption expected.
Key players to watch
Pakistan: Babar Azam
Babar scored 45 off 57 balls against Sri Lanka and will be looking to turn another start into a substantial innings. His ability to anchor the batting order is important, particularly if Pakistan lose early wickets. England's disciplined bowling will test him, but his experience makes him a key player.
Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi
Shaheen claimed 3/55 in the opening match and remains one of Pakistan's most important weapons with the ball. His ability to generate movement with the new ball could help the hosts put England's top order under pressure.
England: Joe Root
Root's experience and composure make him a vital player in England's middle order. He can rebuild an innings after early wickets, rotate the strike against spin and accelerate when the conditions allow. His contribution could be decisive if Pakistan's fast bowlers make early breakthroughs.
England: Ben Duckett
Duckett's aggressive approach at the top of the order gives England the opportunity to establish early momentum. If he takes advantage of the powerplay without losing his wicket, he could make it easier for Root and Brook to control the middle overs.
Why England are the better pick
England are our preferred match-winner selection for three main reasons.
- Recent head-to-head success: England have won four of the last five completed ODI meetings against Pakistan, giving them a clear recent advantage.
- Batting depth: Joe Root, Ben Duckett and Harry Brook provide a combination of stability and aggressive scoring that can challenge Pakistan's bowling attack.
- Versatile bowling options: England have seam and spin resources capable of testing Pakistan through different phases of the innings.
Pakistan remain dangerous on home soil. Their pace attack can change the game quickly if Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah take early wickets, while Salman Ali Agha's century in the opening match underlined the batting lineup's potential.
However, England's stronger recent record and depth across the batting order give them the edge. We expect the visitors to handle the conditions well enough to secure a victory, although Pakistan's home advantage should make this a competitive encounter.
Bet on England to win today
Our main selection is England to win at odds of 1.50. Their recent head-to-head record and strong batting depth make them the preferred side, although Pakistan's pace attack could cause problems if it strikes early.
For player markets, Babar Azam to score over 34.5 runs is worth considering after his 45 against Sri Lanka. Joe Root to score over 35.5 runs is another option, given his ability to build an innings and manage the middle overs.
Compare available odds before placing a bet, as prices can change before the match. Betting carries financial risk, so set limits and only wager what you can afford to lose.