Who would have predicted this!? The Final of the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup will be played between Pakistan and England, in a replay of the 1992 World Cup Final which is sure to draw a huge crowd to the MCG.
Both teams are in sensational form heading into this decider after recording comfortable victories in their respective semis, so expect plenty of fireworks in Melbourne on a soggy Sunday night.
Josh Nevett takes a close look at the game with his free preview and cricket betting tips below.
Pakistan vs England T20 Preview & Betting Tips
MCG, Melbourne, Sunday November 13th, 7:00pm (AEDT)
Expected Line-ups
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Ifthikar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim
England: Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Phil Salt, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid
Match Preview
Many predicted that tournament hosts Australia and global powerhouse India would romp their way into the final, but it was not to be, and we’re left with two underdogs playing off for the trophy.
Pakistan began their campaign nervously, losing two early matches. However, since then they have turned the tide and played with confidence.
The bowlers have been central to Pakistan’s turnaround – spearhead quick Shaheen Afridi and crafty spinner Shadab Khan have taken 10 wickets apiece and been ably supported by speedsters Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.
Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam have provided stability at the top of the batting order, but both are yet to explode in this tournament, suggesting that there is room for improvement in this facet of the game.
As such, Pakistan will be confident that they can achieve T20 World Cup glory for the second time in their history.
England, on the other hand, have had a smoother path to the Final. A rain-affected loss to Ireland has been England’s only blemish so far, and they have won the rest of their matches relatively comfortably.
Sam Curran and Mark Wood have done the damage with the ball, collecting 19 wickets between them. Unfortunately for the three Lions, the latter looks likely to miss this game with a hip injury.
With the bat, Alex Hales and Jos Buttler are both in the top 10 run scorers for the tournament. The pair were at their destructive best in the Semi Final against India, combining for an unbeaten 170-run opening stand to steer England to a dominant victory.
These sides are very well matched and the recent history between them proves it – England got the better of Pakistan 4-3 in a tightly contested seven game T20 series earlier this year.
As such, it’s difficult to pick a winner here.
England go in as favourites and they probably deserve that title, given their demolition of India and consistency throughout the tournament. While they can get bogged down in the middle overs with the bat, I think Buttler and Hales will fancy their chances against the quicks up top.
Pakistan have only put up one score over 160 in this tournament, so if any of England’s hitters get going, they should be able to get the job done.
NOTE: Up to 30mm of rain is expected in Melbourne on Sunday, which is likely to impact this game in some way. Keep an eye on the forecast before placing your bets.
Prop Bets
Both teams owe plenty to their opening batters, who have led the way this tournament. While both pairings have scored bulk runs, England tend to target boundaries early in the innings while Pakistan set a solid foundation. As such, expect England to get the better start.
Highest Score After Over 6 - England $1.70 (Ladbrokes)
Jordan returned to the line-up in the Semi Final and claimed three wickets bowling as a death overs specialist. If Mark Wood isn’t declared fit Jordan will get to play the same role again, a role which is ideal for taking wickets. Sam Curran has also been a strong performer for England; however, Pakistan should be well equipped to deal with him as he shares characteristics with their very own Shaheen Afridi.
England Most Wickets – Chris Jordan $4.50 (Ladbrokes)
