How did they arrive?
Pakistan had a terrible beginning, losing in a nail-biter to India and then to qualifiers Zimbabwe. South Africa’s tournament appeared to be gone, and even three wins in their last three group games would not have been enough if they had not suffered a devastating loss to the Netherlands. This paved the door for a semi-final match against New Zealand, who were beaten by Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam’s century-plus opening combination.
England had a similarly sluggish start, losing to Ireland in their second match and having a crucial match against Australia postponed due to weather. However, strong victories over New Zealand and Sri Lanka allowed them to advance to the semifinals based on the net run rate. Against India, Jos Buttler’s team exploded, with the captain and Alex Hales hammering them to a 10-wicket victory.
What stars are there?
The No. 2 and No. 4 T20 batters in the world for men, Rizwan and Azam, had a difficult start, but Rizwan, in particular, has recovered his form as the competition has proceeded. Mohammad Haris has contributed crucial middle-order runs. With the ball, Shaheen Shah Afridi may have been the greatest seamer in the tournament, while Shadab Khan’s leg spin poses a constant danger.
England’s batting lineup is arguably the deepest in the world, but the onus is still on openers Jos Buttler and Alex Hales, who annihilated the India bowling attack in the semi-final. Sam Curran has performed admirably with the ball throughout both the power play and the death overs, while Adil Rashid began the tournament poorly but was outstanding against India.
Has either team previously won?
Both teams will be competing in their third final. England unexpectedly won the 2010 tournament, but West Indies defeated them in 2016 final. Similarly, Pakistan triumphed in 2009 after losing the 2007 championship to India. It is also a rematch of the 1992 50-over World Cup final, which was also played at the MCG and won by Imran Khan’s Pakistan against Graham Gooch’s England.
Who will win this time around?
It is anyone’s best guess. Both teams have improved as the competition has progressed, have formidable firepower in their batting order, and possess some of the world’s finest T20 seamers. England won the seven-match T20 series against Australia earlier this year, 4-3. Buttler’s team is the slight favorite, but the outcome may go either way.
How does the weather appear?
Not good. There is a 95% chance of rain and strong thunderstorms in Melbourne on Sunday. Monday is a reserve day, but the forecast is not improving.
What if it’s washed away?
If they are unable to play a minimum five-overs-a-side game at any point, the teams will split the trophy.
