After 44 matches of the T20 World Cup 2022, the two best teams of the tournament – Pakistan, and England – will take on each other in the final on Sunday at the iconic MCG. It is expected to be a humdinger contest between these two powerhouses and both teams will look to bring their best in the all-important final.
We take a look at the current form, head-to-head, players to look out for, and squads of both teams in our match preview.
Current form of Pakistan: W W W W L
Pakistan is always a dangerous team in World Cup events and they have once again proved their mettle. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are back among the runs and it is a huge positive for the team. Moreover, their middle order and the bowling unit have done a fine job.
Current form of England: W W W NR L
England has ticked the right boxes and they were at their sublime best against India in the semi-final on Thursday. Alex Hales and Jos Buttler were able to put on a show while the bowlers were also right on the money. England would want to replicate the same against Pakistan in the all-important final.
Head to Head: Matches: 28, Won by England: 18, Won by Pakistan: 9, NR: 1.
England certainly holds the edge over Pakistan in the head-to-head battle.
Players to look out for: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf are going to hold the key for Pakistan.
Alex Hales, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, and Chris Jordan will be the crucial players for England.
England squad
Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Ben Stokes, Tymal Mills, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
Reserves: Liam Dawson, Richard Gleeson.
Pakistan squad
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Mohammad Haris.
Reserves: Shahnawaz Dahani.