Not sure many would've scripted an England versus Pakistan final at the MCG after their shock losses at the hands of Ireland and Zimbabwe earlier on in the Super 12s but that's just the beauty of cricket, isn't it? Peaking at the right time and winning games when it matters most, that rings true for these teams who will now face off in a final for the first time since 1992.
If the qualifying rounds hadn't surprised the world enough with upsets over Sri Lanka and West Indies, the super 12’s showed they have something even more wild in store. A rain curtailed game in Melbourne and a maniac collapse at Perth saw England and Pakistan get humiliated by Ireland and Zimbabwe respectively. In a largely competitive and unpredictable tournament, losing to a qualifier team was the last thing any team could afford, more so for Pakistan who had already suffered a loss at the hands of Rohit Sharma's India in a humdinger opening clash.
A fortnight later, Pakistan was helped by the Dutch and England aided by Australia's thrashing by the Black Caps as both snuck into the semi-finals especially the former who were practically one foot on the aeroplane back home after consecutive losses.
Overview:
England played a staggering 7 match T20 series against Pakistan just before the WT20 and another practice match after landing in Australia which should mean that no team better than these two would know each other contesting for the most awaited trophy of the season.
England: Despite the change in leadership, the attitude of this team has remained unchanged which was evidently showcased in the thrashing of India in the semi-final on Thursday. Jos Buttler and Alex Hales have returned to form just when they were needed the most, Ben Stokes took them over the line in the virtual quarter-final versus Sri Lanka and their death bowling has been the best in this tournament. The thing that makes this England side stand out is their power-packed and depth in their batting line up. Adil Rashid, having to bat at 11 sums it all. Adding to that he is one of the strongest, and most consistent, leg spinners in international white ball cricket. The only concern for Englishmen will be their middle-order which hasn't been up to the mark and hasn't really got going, with the explosive batters in the middle-order featuring Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone and Moeen Ali. Liam as a 6th bowling option did his job pretty well against India where he bowled 3 overs and conceded just 21 runs but England would want him to step on this big occasion and do the job with the bat for their team. Meanwhile, it's highly likely that their pace machine, Mark Wood will miss the final too, meaning Jordan and Curran have another chance to emulate their death overs magic in the league stages. Moeen Ali has had a quiet tournament so far and could be the X factor that could take England over the line at the final hurdle.
Pakistan: His form is back and his leadership looks ever so inspiring, Babar Azam's roller coaster tournament is now at its peak. His cricketing better half Md Rizwan has found rhythm too at the time Pakistan needed it most and the addition of Mohammad Haris has had the same influence that Fakhar Zaman had in their Champions Trophy triumph in 2017. Pakistan's fast bowling hype hasn't failed to deliver with Shaheen Afridi coming to the party at the perfect time. Having said that their pace attack will be a scary proposition where they can better use their pace and experience on this fast wicket to their advantage, especially Haris Rauf who knows these conditions better than anyone else. All eyes will be on Pakistan's trump card Shadab Khan who has been their standout player in all 3 facets of the game in this tournament to get them over the line, he will have to bring out his A game yet again. Pakistan's middle order is somewhat volatile and you just don't know what to expect from them, so a solid opening stand will do just right for the men in green. One aspect they'll try to keep up as hot as possible is their fielding which was electric vs New Zealand.
Players to watch for:
Shaheen Shah Afridi :-
MCG WC finals and left arm pacers has had its history. Be it Wasim Akram or Mitchell Starc, Afridi will be now keen to join in the list. His form has peaked at the right moment and he would be key to early wickets vs an all firing England top order
Ben Stokes :-
When in crunch situations, England look up to their talisman Ben Stokes. He is due for a special performance and what better occasion than the WT20 final of which he doesn't have fond memories. If England find themselves in trouble, they hope their hero is up for the challenge on Sunday.
Probable Playing XI:
England: Alex Hales, Jos Buttler (C & WK), Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Phil Salt, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid.
Pakistan: Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah
Weather & Pitch Report:
There is rain predicted during the day on Sunday in Melbourne. In the evening, the temperature will drop down to 13 degrees, and nearly 7mm of rain is expected. Humidity is expected to be around 86 and there is a 70 percent chance of rain
(Credits: Cricketaddictor)
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.
Date & Time: Nov 13th at 1:30 PM IST and local time 7pm AEDT
Live Streaming: Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar
Interesting Facts:
- This will be the first ever knock out match in a WT20 between these 2 after facing in the 1992 WC final and 2017 Champions trophy semi final, both of which Pakistan eventually winning the tournament as well.
- Babar Azam has 40 T20I wins as captain, winning the final levels him with MS Dhoni, just 1 behind all time highest Eoin Morgan and Asghar Afghan(42 each)
- England have won 2 ICC events (2010 & 2019) while Pakistan have won 3 (1992, 2009 & 2017)
- If England win the final, they will be the first team since India in 2013 to hold 2 ICC trophies at the same time. Same holds true for Pakistan. Only India and Australia have achieved this feat before.
- England and Pakistan will meet in a World Cup final again after 30 years.
- In the T20 World Cup, England and Pakistan have met twice so far with the former winning on both occasions, by six wickets in 2010 and by 48 runs in 2009.
- Both Pakistan and England suffered setbacks in the Super 12 stage. Pakistan lost to Zimbabwe, England to Ireland.
- In the two T20 World Cup meetings, England hold a 2-0 advantage. At the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, both sides have never won a T20I match
- In T20Is, Pakistan's highest total versus England is 232 and lowest is 89. England's best against Pakistan is 221 and lowest is 135.
- Skipper Babar Azam (560) has most T20I runs for Pakistan against England with his 110 not out from 66 balls at Karachi in September this year being his highest against the England
- Haris Rauf has the most wickets (14) for Pakistan against England. For the Englishmen, Adil Rashid lead the tally with 17 wickets each.
- The Pakistani opening duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have the highest partnership runs in a career. The duo have scored 2509 runs from 51 innings.
- England and Pakistan have faced each other in 28 matches in T20. Out of these 28 games , England have won 18 whereas Pakistan have come out victorious on 9 occasions . 1 match ended without a result.
- Adil Rashid has played exactly 91 T20I games, has picked 91 wickets and has scored 91 runs!!!! Funny and exciting, isn’t it???
Dream 11 team:
