ICC T20 World Cup Final Tips and Preview, 11th November
England vs. Pakistan
November 13th
As form goes, it is hard to top what England brings into this final.
A 10-wicket victory with four overs to spare over a talented Indian team is as big a fill-up as you can imagine, and the English team will have confidence at an all-time high.
Jos Buttler and Alex Hales did it all themselves in the chase, combining for an unbeaten 170-run opening partnership. That, of course, meant no other English batsman even had to walk out to the middle, and an early wicket could get England’s hearts racing.
Their middle order includes the swashbuckling Ben Stokes, who has performed when his team needs him throughout this tournament, and in years past in all forms of the game. He is one to keep an eye on as a potential game-winner here.
Shaheen Shar Afridi holds the key for Pakistan’s bowling line-up, and all eyes will be on him to see if he can get an early breakthrough to set the tone as he did against New Zealand in the semi-final. With Mohammad Wasim and Mohammad Nawaz as his support acts, Pakistan has various options that can challenge the powerful England team.
Likewise, England can turn to any of its bowlers to get the job done, with Chris Jordan an unlikely hero in the semi-final. How he fits into the line-up with the impending return of Mark Wood will be interesting. Sam Curran has had a dazzling tournament, and Adil Rashid can take the pace down if Pakistan hits well early.
Pakistan also comes into this one with an opening batting partnership that is difficult to contain. Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam notched up their third opening stand in excess of 100 runs in the semi-final, but they have had moments of weakness in the games leading up.
If England can get either of them cheaply, the game will be set up for them.
Ultimately the biggest factor here is the weather, which has played a significant role in deciding games across the eastern seaboard. There is every chance that will play a part here, so an early start could be not just important but the only factor that decides the champion.
