The third match of the England vs Pakistan 2024 T20I series will be played at Sophia Gardens, also known as Cardiff Wales Stadium. England currently leads the four-match series 1-0, making the upcoming match a must-win for Pakistan to keep themselves alive in the series.
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff T20I History
Sophia Gardens is the premier cricket stadium in Wales, administered by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The venue hosted its first men’s T20I match in 2010, featuring England and Pakistan. The most recent T20I match at this stadium took place in July 2022, where England clashed against South Africa.
To date, Sophia Gardens has hosted nine men’s T20 international matches, all featuring the England team. England boasts a dominant 8-1 record at the venue, with their only defeat occurring against South Africa in 2022.
Cardiff Cricket Stadium T20I Records
In nine games at Cardiff Cricket Ground, the team batting second teams have had the upper hand with a 6-3 winning record. The average first innings score in men’s T20Is at Sophia Gardens has been 151, which is relatively low.
- Matches Played: 9
- Won by the team batting first: 3
- Won by the team batting second: 6
- Biggest score while batting first: South Africa – 207/3 (20) vs England, 2022
- Lowest score while batting first: Pakistan – 89/10 (18.4) vs England, 2010
- Biggest total chased: England chased 173 vs Pakistan, 2019
- Lowest Score Defended: England defended 181 vs South Africa, 2017
- Cardiff Cricket Stadium average 1st innings score in T20I: 150
- Cardiff Cricket Stadium average 2nd innings score in T20I: 141
- Best figures for a Pacer: Dane Paterson (South Africa) – 4/32 vs England, 2017
- Best figures for a Spinner: Tabraiz Shamsi (South Africa) – 3/28 vs England, 2022
- Highest score by a Batter: Rilee Rossouw (South Africa) – 96*(55) vs England, 2022
Sophia Gardens Cardiff Pitch Report for ENG vs PAK T20I
In the initial overs at Sophia Gardens, pacers often generate good pace and bounce, which can trouble batters. However, as the game progresses, the surface tends to dry out. Consequently, in the later part of the match, spinners can become effective. The team bowling first needs to capitalize on the bowling-friendly conditions and aim to restrict the opponent below 160. Chasing a total above 180 can be particularly challenging at this venue.
Meanwhile, Jos Buttler will miss the upcoming T20 at Cardiff as he is on paternity leave. Moeen Ali will lead the England side in the 3rd T20I. Once again, all eyes will be on players like Jofra Archer and Reece Topley, who excelled with the ball in the last game. On the other hand, Pakistan will hope for Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Amir to provide a good start.
Sophia Gardens Cardiff Last T20I Match Scorecard
The last men’s T20I at Cardiff was played in July 2022 between England and South Africa. The game witnessed the visitors reaching a mammoth 207-run total. Chasing the total proved to be a daunting task for England. Eventually, they were restricted to 149 runs, marking this the only defeat the English side has tasted at Cardiff in T20I cricket.
| South Africa: 207-3 (20) | England: 149-10 (16.4) |
| Rilee Rossouw: 96*(55) | Jonny Bairstow: 30(21) |
| Reeza Hendricks: 53(32) | Jos Buttler: 29(14) |
| Heinrich Klaasen: 19(10) | Moeen Ali: 28(17) |
| Moeen Ali: 2 – 0 – 17 – 1 | Tabraiz Shamsi: 4 – 0 – 27 – 3 |
| Richard Gleeson: 3 – 0 – 38 – 1 | Andile Phehlukwayo: 3 – 0 – 39 – 3 |
| Chris Jordan: 4 – 0 – 43 – 1 | Lungi Ngidi: 2.4 – 0 – 11 – 2 |
| Match Result: South Africa won by 58 runs. |