Key Battles in T20 World Cup Final: England vs Pakistan at MCG in Melbourne: Nov 13, 2022
The final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 promises to be a fascinating battle. England probably has the strongest and the lengthiest batting line up in the tournament while Pakistan possesses the quickest and probably the most complete bowling line up. On a collision course, we will see sparks fly when the crème de la crème battle against each other.
Let us look at a few key battles that might decide the outcome of the T20 World Cup final between England and Pakistan to be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. You can also check out the Match Preview and the road to the final for these teams.
Mark Wood vs Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan
Mark Wood missed the semi final, but he was back bowling in the nets on Saturday. If he's passed fit, then his opening burst against the Pakistani openers might set the tone for England. The openers would look to start cautiously but if the ball jags around, combined with his high pace; Wood and England can do early and irreversible damage.
Shaheen Shah Afridi vs Jos Buttler and Alex Hales
Shaheen Shah Afridi looks to have gotten into nice rhythm lately after starting the tournament slow. He's getting the ball to tail in and that has been a nemesis of Hales in particular in the past. Buttler will have to be careful against the ball that goes away as he often chases wide deliveries early in the innings.
Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz vs English batters
Nawaz was brilliant in the latest 7 match T20I series these two teams played in the lead up to the world cup. Shadab Khan also is a dangerous customer with a good googly and can also turn the ball away from the right handed batters. Babar might want to introduce one spin option against Hales and Buttler early or against Liam Livingstone in the middle overs.
Adil Rashid vs Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris
If Babar survives the opening burst, then England can turn to Rashid to contain Babar. Babar has had issues against him and is unable to read his googly on occasions. Rashid will also be on a high after containing aggressive Indian batters in the semi final and also scalping the prized wicket of Suryakumar Yadav. Haris, has quickly become an important figure in that Pakistan line up and he's looked good against pace in general. Rashid might also be tasked to nip in the young star in his bud before he can start his innings.
Sam Curran vs Ifthikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan
Sam Curran is tasked with closing out the innings with his wide yorkers and change of pace. Ifthikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan have played good innings throughout the world cup and bailed Pakistan out with their late hitting and timely runs. How these two manage against Curran will be very important especially if Pakistan are batting first and looking to set up a big total.
Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim vs Phil Salt and Ben Stokes
If England lose their openers quickly then the task of facing a super quick Rauf and accurate and clever Wasim will most probably fall to Salt and Stokes. Stokes hasn't looked at his best in the tournament and the high pace of Rauf might unsettle him. Salt hasn't batted so far in the tournament, so facing high accurate pace bowling under cloudy Melbourne skies might not be what he's looking forward to.
Which battle fascinates you the most? What are you most looking forward to?
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