Pakistan vs England ICC Men s T20 World Cup, Australia, 2022

ENGLAND ARE THE CHAMPIONS! Fuller in length and around leg, Ben Stokes clears his front leg and whips it through mid-wicket for the winning run. Stokes is all pumped up. He has his redemption for Kolkata. The English players run out to the middle to celebrate. Fireworks go off! What scenes! England win the game by 5 wickets!

England will have to wait. Full in length and outside off, Stokes swings hard at it but fails to connect.

FOUR! England inch closer. Full toss from Wasim, around off, Stokes stays back and forces it through covers for a boundary. Maiden T20I fifty for Ben Stokes - he is the man for big occasions!

Nothing fancy from Liam. A full toss on middle, Liam Livingstone knocks it down to long on for a single.

Liam Livingstone makes his way out to the middle to complete the formalities.

OUT! STUMPS SHATTERED! Is there another twist in the tale? One thing is certain - Pakistan won't go down without a fight. Yorker length from Wasim, outside off, Moeen hangs back to drill it through the line but all he manages is to drag it onto the stumps off the inside edge. England are one big hit away from lifting the trophy!

Spears it very full and on middle, Stokes clears his front leg to whip it across the line. But he gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball deflects to the off side and they cross.

Length ball on middle and off, Stokes drops it down with soft hands, adjacent to the pitch on the off side and retains strike. 7 needed off 12 balls.

Perfect bouncer, quick and targeting the head of the batter, Stokes sways away from the line of fire.

Gets behind the line of the ball and defends it back off the splice.

Back of a length, around off, Stokes jumps and cuts it through backward point for a single. Stokes races back for the second run as the throw comes to the bowler. He has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Another chance for a run but Ben has gone too deep to complete the second run.

Bowls it full and around off, Ali crunches it down to mid off for one. 10 needed more.

Delivers it short and on middle, Stokes tries to pull but it takes the inner edge and rolls behind. They cross.

FOUR! Only formalities left in this final now, then. Shortish and around off, Moeen attempts to pull but it takes the top edge and flies down to third man for a boundary. The tide has turned completely. 12 needed off 18 balls.

A near-yorker on off, Stokes digs it out through mid off and rotates the strike.

Wasim goes short and on middle, Stokes swivels and pulls it through square leg. Places it well and returns for the second run.

Too full and around leg, Moeen eases it down to long on for one.

FOUR! England are motoring. Mohammad Wasim digs it in short, around off, Moeen turns and pulls it with authority over square leg for a boundary. 20 needed off 22 balls.

FOUR! 14 off the last three balls for England and this final has swung in their favour. Back of a length, outside off, Moeen packs a punch, over extra cover for a boundary.

Two magical deliveries to end the last over for England and the equation stands - 28 needed off 24 balls.

SIX! Ben Stokes is finally getting a move on and the big-match player has stepped up once again! This is sheer power from the big man as he manages to clear the long off fielder. This is bowled short as well and outside the off pole, Ben Stokes transfers his weight on the back foot and muscles the ball over the fence for six runs.

FOUR! This has been hit powerfully and finds the boundary! Iftikhar Ahmed bowls this slightly short and outside off, Ben Stokes uses the depth of the crease and crunches this towards deep cover for four runs.

Bowled full and into the pads, Moeen Ali chips this towards long on and takes one.

This is bowled slightly short and in line with the stumps. Ben Stokes goes deep in the crease and looks to power this over long off. He does not connect well and the ball falls just short of the fielder. They cross for a single.

Iftikhar Ahmed fires a full delivery into the pads, Moeen Ali flicks this down to long on and takes a single.

SHAHEEN AFRIDI IS WALKING OFF! That's a massive moment in the final. Pakistan's main weapon is out injured. He tried his best but was unable to continue. Iftikhar Ahmed will complete his over.

Afridi is hobbling. Not looking at his best. He is struggling and the smile on his face says it all.

Shaheen Afridi starts off the over with a slower delivery, serves it full and wide outside off, Moeen Ali looks to dig this out but misses.

Shaheen Afridi is getting ready to bowl. Is he at his best after that injury? We are about to find out. 41 needed off 30 balls.

FOUR! Back-of-a-length delivery on off, Ben Stokes stands tall and punches it to the right of mid off for a boundary. A timely boundary for Ben Stokes and England. Haris Rauf is distraught as he concedes the boundary of the last ball of what was otherwise a very tidy over.

Shaheen Afridi is again feeling the pinch. He is not looking too sure about his fitness. The physio has joined him near the boundary line. It seems that Shaheen has been rushed in so that he remains eligible to bowl at the death.

Good length delivery outside off, Ben Stokes goes for the mighty heave across the line. The ball sneaks past the inside edge on its way through to the keeper.

Fuller delivery on off, Moeen Ali drives it towards long on for a single.

Short on off, Ben Stokes cuts this one uppishly towards Shan Masood at backward point. The ball falls just short of him and a fumble allows a single for England.

Full outside off, Ben Stokes backs away and drives this one to the left of deep cover for a couple of runs.

Short-of-a-length delivery outside off, Ben Stokes looks to punch this one on the off side. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

Who will bowl now from this end as Shadab Khan is done with his 4-over spell? It's going to be Haris Rauf. Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi is back on the field, a sight for sore eyes and he is moving freely. 49 needed off 36 balls.

This is on a good length and outside off, Ben Stokes plays this with soft hands towards point. This time there is an early call and they take a quick single.

Goes full this time and outside off stump, Ben Stokes strokes this firmly towards mid off. Third dot ball in a row and the pressure is building now.

This is bowled slightly outside the off pole and on a good length, Ben Stokes looks to cut but the ball is too close and he ends up tapping this towards point.

At this stage, England are just one run ahead on the DLS counter, informs Michael Atherton (on air).

On a good length this time and in line with the stumps, Ben Stokes taps this back down the pitch towards the bowler.

Bowls this back of a length and outside off, Moeen Ali miscues his pull shot but just manages to clear the mid on fielder and get a single.

Naseem Shah bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump, Moeen Ali mistimes his block towards mid on. Ben Stokes takes off for a single and slips as he looks to turn and get back into the crease. There is an attempt at the non-striker's end but the fielder misses and Ben Stokes survives.

Naseem Shah is into his final over. One last burst from the speedster.

Short and on middle, Ben Stokes backs away and punches this one wide of deep cover. Mohammad Wasim comes around and does the cleaning work. The batters run two in the process.

Googly on off, Ben Stokes rolls his wrists and drives it straight to cover for no run.

Flighted on off, Moeen Ali pushes this one towards point and gets off the mark with a single.

Liam Livingstone or Moeen Ali - Who will head out next? 54 needed off 45 balls. Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi seems to have hurt his right knee and is down in pain. The physio has come out and Afridi is limping off the field to receive some treatment. Pakistan need him fit for the end overs. And to answer the question, it's Moeen who has joined Stokes in the middle.

OUT! CAUGHT! Pakistan have their fourth! Shadab Khan tosses this one wide on the off side, Brook fetches this one from outside off and lofts this one towards long off. It is hit flat but Shaheen Afridi makes it look easy and takes a good catch. Looks like Shaheen Afridi has hurt himself in the process. The 39-run stand has been broken and Pakistan have an opening.

Shadab Khan floats this full and outside the off stump, Harry Brook knocks this straight to the cover fielder.

Short and outside off, Harry Brook shimmies down the track and pulls it wide of long on. The fielder dives to his right and prevents the boundary. Harry Brook comes back for the second.

And again! Is there an edge this time? Naseem Shah is appealing. The whole of the MCG is appealing. A little bit of conference and Babar Azam decides to refer it. Sharp delivery, breezy, on a length outside off and skidding away. Stokes pushes at it but seems to have missed. DRS time. Nothing on the UltraEdge. Pakistan lose one review.

Another dot ball as Ben Stokes plays and misses once again! This is bowled on a slightly shorter length but gets the ball to angle away from the left-hander. Ben Stokes hangs his bat out to dry and is beaten all ends up.

Another beauty! This is on a good length and just outside off, Ben Stokes feels for the ball but gets beaten. Naseem Shah looks really pumped up.

This is a fraction short and outside off, Harry Brook connects this time as he pulls the ball towards deep mid-wicket. Haris Rauf covers the ground from long on and puts in a dive to save a run. Three runs nonetheless added to England's score.

This is on a good length and in line with the stumps. Harry Brook looks to swing but loses his shape and does not connect. The extra bounce takes the ball over the stumps.

Naseem Shah starts this over with a jaffa! Bowls a really quick delivery on a good length and outside off. Gets the ball to shoot up off the wicket and beat the outside edge of Harry Brook's bat.

Pakistan are in desperate need of a breakthrough here. Babar Azam has decided to bring Naseem Shah back into the attack. Haris Rauf is seen giving a pep talk to the young pacer.

Full and angling into the pads, Harry Brook clips it to deep square leg for a run.

Tossed up outside off, Ben Stokes pushes it towards cover-point for a single.

Floated outside off, Ben Stokes drives it firmly towards cover. Mohammad Nawaz puts in a drive and prevents the single. He has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. Harry Brook was gone had he hit.

Fullish delivery on middle, Ben Stokes defends it with a straight bat back to the bowler.

Flighted on off, Ben Stokes gets forward and knocks it to cover for no run.

Short and at the stumps, Ben Stokes opens the bat face and guides this one towards short third man.

Drinks break. We're at the halfway mark of this chase and England will feel that they have one hand on the trophy. This ongoing partnership between Ben Stokes and Harry Brook has steadied the ship and England now need another 61 runs to win, off 60 balls. Needless to say, Pakistan can make this final thrilling by only picking wickets. Will that happen? Let's find out.

Mohammad Wasim ends the over with a short ball outside off, Harry Brook mistimes his pull shot towards mid-wicket and looks for a run. Ben Stokes refuses the single and Shadab Khan takes aim at the keeper's end but misses the stumps. Would have been really close had he hit.

This is on a good length and outside the off pole, Ben Stokes taps this towards the off side and takes off for a quick single.

FOUR! That is timing personified by Ben Stokes! Mohammad Wasim bowls a low full toss outside off, Ben Stokes gets his front foot forward and punches this towards deep cover for a boundary. The ball kept running away from the fielder and England require a run-a-ball now.

This is on a good length and just outside the off stump, Harry Brook tucks this towards mid-wicket and rotates the strike collecting one.

Bowls this really full, almost on yorker length and in line with the stumps, Ben Stokes flicks the ball towards mid-wicket. A fumble from Babar Azam allows them to take a run.

England have the required rate under control and will be looking to just knock the ball around and rotate the strike. The onus is on Pakistan to make things happen.

Mohammad Wasim starts off the over with a short ball angled into the batter, Harry Brook makes room and looks to cut this but gets an outside edge towards third man for a single.

Floated outside off, Harry Brook advances and drives it towards deep cover for a single.

Flatter and quicker at the stumps, Harry Brook does a good job and keeps it out by defending it back to the bowler.

Short on off, Ben Stokes pulls it off the back foot towards deep mid-wicket and collects a single.

FOUR! A lucky boundary for England. Full and at the pads, Ben Stokes brings out the reverse sweep. Gets an under edge that trickles past the keeper to the left of short fine leg for a much-needed boundary.

Tossed up on off, Harry Brook skips down the track and drives it to long on for a run.

Flighted on middle, Ben Stokes backs away and works this one towards deep cover for a single.

The physio comes out. Harry Brook has hurt his right elbow. All good to go now. Here is Shadab Khan to continue...

Ouch! Mohammad Wasim follows the batter once again as he sees him go towards the leg side and serves this back of a length. Harry Brook gets cramped for room and gets hit on the elbow as the ball falls back onto the pitch.

On a good length and angled down leg, Harry Brook looks to make room and play towards the off side but misses his shot.

Mohammad Wasim serves this one full and outside off, Harry Brook shuffles down the wicket and uses his strong bottom hand to flick the ball towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

On a good length and in line with the stumps, Ben Stokes looks to block but is cramped for room and gets an inside edge towards backward square leg, for a single.

WIDE! Bangs this one short and way outside the off pole. Ben Stokes swings at this but the ball is beyond the tram line. Called wide once again.

WIDE! Looking for the yorker this time but strays down the leg side. Ben Stokes misses his flick and the umpire calls this wide.

Bowls this slightly short and into the batter as he looks to make room by moving towards the leg side. Harry Brook carves this to deep cover-point and takes a run.

Mohammad Wasim starts off with a good-length delivery wide outside the off stump, Ben Stokes takes a couple of steps down the wicket and knocks the ball to deep point for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to bowl his first over.

Fullish delivery on off, Ben Stokes gets forward and drives it towards long off for another single.

Short outside off, Ben Stokes works it off the back foot towards cover for a dot.

Flighted on off, Harry Brook pushes this one towards long on for a run.

Short and outside off, Harry Brook rocks back and cuts this one wide of deep cover. The fielder in the deep comes around and keeps it to two.

Tossed up outside off, turning away from the batter. Brook gets beaten on the outside edge as he tries to play it through the line.

Shadab Khan is introduced into the attack. He holds the key on this track conducive for spin bowling.

Shadab Khan starts off with a flighted delivery on middle. Stokes knocks it towards long on for a single.

Full and around off, Brook pushes it with an angled bat to point. At the end of the Powerplay, England are 49 for 3. 89 needed off 84 balls.

FOUR! Fine shot! Full in length and on middle, Brook skips down the track and wrists it with beautiful timing through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Good length, around middle and leg, defended down on the pitch.

Harry Brook makes his way out to the middle to replace his captain.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Plenty of times the ball missed the edge of Buttler's bat in the previous over but not this time. Haris Rauf is up and running in celebration. This final is thrown wide open with Buttler, England's top-scorer in the tournament this time around, falling. Back of a length, around off and shaping away at 143 kph, Jos Buttler stays back to feel inside the line and edges it behind. Mohammad Rizwan does the rest and Pakistan have three wickets in the Powerplay.  93 runs needed in 87 balls.

Wide! Express pace, short and down the leg side at 146 kph, Buttler lets it be. Rizwan jumps to collect the ball.

Full in length and wide outside off, Stokes hammers it to wide mid off. The fielder there dives full length to his right and saves three runs for his team.

A length delivery on middle and off, Stokes shows the straight bat and pushes it back to the bowler.

Haris Rauf will continue and he is bowling with some serious pace here.

Beats the outside edge for the umpteenth time in this over. Naseem is unlucky. Delivers a perfect outswinger, close to off, Buttler tries to play the line but is beaten by the movement.

On a good length outside off, Jos gets across to play at it but misses.

SIX! Brave, skilful and magnificent from Jos Buttler. A length delivery in the line of the stumps, Jos Buttler jumps across the stumps and paddles it all the way over fine leg for a maximum.

And again. Naseem Shah is unplayable at the moment. Another outswinger has beaten the outside edge of Buttler's bat. Still no slip in place. Rizwan suggests Babar Azam to have it in place and he obliges.

Gets his line right and again beats the edge. Naseem delivers a speedy outswinger, around off, Buttler is flat-footed, as he pushes inside the line and misses.

FIVE WIDES to release all the pressure. Naseem perhaps was trying for the inswinger. He gets the line wrong, drifts down the leg side, Jos tries to tickle it fine but misses. Rizwan dives across to his left but fails to cut it off.

Unplayable! Outswinger, on a length and outside off, shaping away late, Buttler pokes inside the line and misses.

Naseem Shah will continue despite being really expensive in his first over.

A length delivery outside off, Ben stays back and pushes it to cover-point. Barring the first ball, it was a superb over from Rauf.

Beaten! Short in length and outside off at 149 kph, Stokes stays back to steer it late but is beaten on the inside edge.

Serves it on a length around off, angling away, Stokes covers the stumps and shoulders arms.

Ben Stokes is the new batter at the crease.

OUT! CAUGHT! Second wicket in the Powerplay for Pakistan and the crowd once again has found its voice. Haris Rauf speeds in and dishes out a 146 kph delivery. It's short and on middle, Philip Salt backs away to pull but does so without any timing. It lobs tamely to mid-wicket where Iftikhar Ahmed takes the catch safely. Just before this ball, the slip fielder was moved to mid-wicket and it's a captaincy brilliance from Babar Azam.

Fullish and on off, driven to mid off. Dot.

FOUR! England are capitalizing on the Powerplay overs. A 149 kph delivery on the pads, Salt picks it up and flicks it in front of square on the leg side. It races away.

Shaheen bowls it full and around leg, Philip Salt steps back and drills it in the direction of the bowler. It clips the boot of Shaheen and ricochets towards mid on. They cross. Shaheen Afridi shows no pain after getting hit and stays on his feet.

Angling away, around off, it's pushed from the crease to mid off by Salt.

Fuller on off, driven to the left of mid off for a single.

FOUR! Pristine! Fuller in length around leg, shaping in, Buttler leans across and flicks it with lovely timing through wide mid on for a glorious boundary.

NOT OUT! Shaheen serves a full toss on this occasion as he takes the pace off, around leg, Salt tries to swing it over the leg side but misses and is rapped on the back thigh pad. The appeal is made but the umpire shakes his head. Babar smiles as he goes for the review. UltraEdge finds no bat and the Ball Tracking shows that the impact is with the umpire's call. Pakistan retain their review. One leg bye has been added to the total.

DRS time. Appeal for an lbw against Philip Salt. The finger stays down and Babar Azam reviews...

Full in length, around middle and off, Salt pushes it gently to mid-wicket. Shaheen makes the stop in his followthrough.

Fuller and on middle, Salt knocks it down to mid on for one. 14 from the over!

FOUR! Third boundary of the over and this is a lucky one for England. Fuller in length and on middle, Salt tries to whip it across the line but gets an inside edge through his legs. It runs down fine and crosses the fence.

Edged but safe! Naseem pitches it up and outside off, Buttler again tries to drive but this time he edges it behind. The ball goes wide of first slip and to third man. They cross. It has started to drizzle now.

FOUR! Consecutive boundaries as England try to wrestle back the momentum in their favour. Naseem goes searching for the movement as he dishes out a full ball outside off, Buttler leans forward and creams it through covers.

FOUR! Crunched. Naseem serves it full and around off, Buttler gets on the front foot and crunches it through the gap at covers for a glorious boundary.

Superb delivery to begin from Naseem. Lands it on a good length, outside off and shaping away, Buttler stays away from the line as he attempts to push at the ball.

Philip Salt is the new batter out in the middle at number 3. Naseem Shah will share the attack and bowl from the other end.

OUT! SOUND OF TIMBER! The MCG roars. Alex Hales is undone by a beauty from Shaheen Afridi! An inswinger, landing on a full length around middle and leg at 133 clicks. Hales tries his best to keep it out but misses. The ball sneaks through, perhaps says hello to the back pad as well and then deflects onto the stumps. What a sight for a fast bowler!

Too full this time, on middle, Buttler works it around in the gap at mid-wicket for a single.

Beauty from Shaheen! He puts it on a fuller length around off, Jos attempts to play it with a straight bat but the ball nips away to beat the outside edge. It was very close to the off pole as well.

Mishit! Fullish and around off, Buttler tries to drive but gets an inside edge. It trickles down to deep backward square leg and by the time, the fielder in the deep gets to the ball, they get two runs.

Hits the yorker mark around off, Hales digs it out towards mid off and scampers across for a brisk run. Positive start for England.

England are away! Shaheen Afridi begins with a full delivery around leg, Buttler flicks it with good timing and sends it in acres of space at deep mid-wicket. Three runs are taken.

Shortish and around off, Shaheen swings his bat at it again but misses this time. They cross for a bye as Jos Buttler misses his shy at the striker's end. Pakistan end on 137 for 8.

FOUR! Edgy! Back of a length, around leg, Shaheen steps back and tries to pull but it takes the top edge and flies behind the keeper for a much-needed boundary for Pakistan.

Shortish and on off, Haris swings his bat at it and drags it to deep square leg for one.

Haris Rauf comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT! One more wicket goes down. Slower one from Jordan this time, he delivers it short and around off. Wasim, for once, gets some connection but it's not crisp. The ball flies to deep mid-wicket and Liam Livingstone sprints forward to secure the catch by going down low. Third catch for Liam who has been kept busy in the field.

Another dot. Short and on middle, angling in at 135 kph, once again Wasim tries to power it over the leg side but connects only with thin air.

Short and on off, at 141 kph, Wasim turns and attempts a mighty heave over the leg side but fails to connect.

Short and slow on off, Wasim walks forward and taps it down to point for one. Excellent from Curran, 4-0-12-3.

Clever. Curran drops it short and takes the pace off this one. Wasim tries to pull but it flies over his bat.

A touch short around off, Shaheen drags it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Shaheen Afridi strides out to the middle and he has a bit of work to do with the bat before getting the ball in his hand.

OUT! CAUGHT! Sam Curran has his third and once again he combines with Liam Livingstone to hunt down one more batter. Delivers it full and around off, at 126 kph, Mohammad Nawaz heaves it without much timing and Liam Livingstone takes the simplest of catches at deep mid-wicket. Pakistan's innings derailed at the backend.

Short and on middle, pulled to deep square leg for a couple.

Outside off, Nawaz swings his bat at it and misses.

Sliding down the leg side, Wasim tries to flick but misses. It goes off his pads to the keeper. Nawaz turns down the leg bye.

Short and on off, Nawaz hits it to covers for one.

IT'S ALL HAPPENING AT THE MCG! Short in length and outside off, at 141 kph, Mohammad Wasim cuts it aerially to point where Harry Brook dives but drops the catch. He throws the ball to Jordan as the batter attempt for a single. The bowler has a shy at his end but misses and Stokes, who is backing up, has to chase it down in the deep. They take two more runs but a bit hesitantly as Jordan collects the throw from the deep and tries to deflect it onto the stumps at the non-striker's end.

Gets behind the line of the delivery and pushes it to mid on.

Mohammad Wasim makes his way out to the crease.

OUT! TAKEN! Shadab Khan falls as well! Chris Jordan goes short and digs it in around middle and leg, Shadab Khan stays leg-side to this one and attempts for a big shot. He loses his shape and ends up skying a simple catch for Chris Woakes at mid off. It's going from bad to worse for Pakistan at the backend as now they will have two new batters at the crease to face the final few deliveries.

Change of pace, short and around leg, Mohammad Nawaz pulls it down to fine leg for one.

Beaten! A touch short and on off, angling away, Shadab leans back and tries to guide it down to third man but misses. A top over from Sam!

Short on middle, pulled to deep square leg for a single.

Fuller and on off, Nawaz drives but finds mid off.

Mohammad Nawaz comes out to the middle and Pakistan will be hoping he plays an attacking cameo here.

OUT! Masood holes out! In the quest to score quick runs, Masood perishes. It's a body blow to Pakistan as a set batter is going at this stage of the innings. Curran continues to be magical for his team, both in the Powerplay and at the death. He takes the pace off this one and delivers it on a length around off, Masood's attempted heave over the leg side is mistimed badly and Liam Livingstone, who is standing up by a few yards at deep mid-wicket, takes a simple catch.

Delivers it on a short length and outside off, Masood tries to give himself room but ends up chasing the ball. Misses.

Miscued. Curran gets a length ball to angle in from around off, Masood tries to heave but it takes the higher par of his blade and loops towards square leg. They take two runs.

Digs it in short, around off, Masood pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run. 13 from the over.

Picks the gap. Short in length, around leg and following the batter, Shadab pulls it in front of square on the leg side and the ball scoots away. Sam Curran does well to stop it before the fence and saves one run for his side.

Slower one, full and around leg at 113 kph, Masood steps back and drives it to sweeper cover for one.

Sliding down the leg side, it's worked behind square leg for a single.

FOUR! Bang! This one is on a good length and outside off, Shadab blazes it through covers and the ball races away. Philip Salt tries his best to cut it off near the fence but fails in his attempt.

Wide! Again Stokes tries to follow the batter down the leg side, Shadab tries to tickle it fine but misses. It's called a wide.

Khan exposes all his stumps by stepping back and Stokes follows him with a fuller delivery, Shadab works it towards deep mid-wicket and collects two.

Ben Stokes (3-0-19-1) has been brought back into the attack.

Goes fuller this time and outside the off pole, Shadab Khan gets across the stumps and flicks the ball towards deep backward square leg. It will be a single to end the over.

Bowls this a fraction short and follows the batter as he looks to make room on the leg side. Shan Masood cuts this towards cover and takes a run.

FOUR! That is a cracking shot from Shan Masood! Chris Jordan keeps bowling on a good length but offers width outside off, Shan Masood punches this past the fielder and finds the deep cover boundary for four useful runs.

This is on a good length as well and outside the off stump, Shadab Khan heaves and gets a thickish outside edge that falls just short of the third man fielder. They take a single. 100 up for Pakistan.

Bowls this on a good length and in line with the stumps, Shan Masood charges down the wicket and swings blindly. He mistimes his shot to mid on and takes a single.

We'll have another stoppage here and Pakistan will be praying that this break won't result in another wicket. Shan Masood is going through a mandatory concussion check as has been the protocol if you are hit on the helmet.

THUD! That has hit Shan Masood straight on the helmet! Chris Jordan begins the over with a short ball that is well-directed. Shan Masood looks to pull but misses and takes a hit on his head gear.

Chris Jordan is back into the attack.

Nicely bowled! Flighted outside off and turning away from the batter. Shadab Khan gets beaten on the outside edge as he tries to work it on the off side. Adil Rashid ends with figures of 2-22 including a maiden.

Flatter on off, Shan Masood cuts it towards deep cover for a single.

Flighted on off, Shadab Khan taps it towards cover and collects another single.

FOUR! Beautiful timing. Flighted on middle, Shadab Khan gets forward and lofts this one straight over the bowler for his first boundary. Long on and long off had no chance of stopping that. A timely boundary for Shadab Khan and Pakistan.

Fullish delivery on middle, Shan Masood knocks this one towards long on for a run.

Short on leg, Shadab Khan pulls this one off the back foot towards long on for a single.

This is on a good length as well and in line with the stumps, Shadab Khan taps this towards the off side and takes off for a single to keep strike in the next over.

Ben Stokes serves this on a good length and angles away from the left-hander after pitching just outside off. Shan Masood waits for the ball and plays it late as he guides it to third man for a single.

Bowls this on a leg-stump line and slightly short in length, Shan Masood pulls this towards deep square leg and they run well to complete a brace.

This is on a good length as well and angled into the batter, Shan Masood charges down the wicket and gets an outside edge towards backward point as he takes a single to get off the mark.

Shadab Khan arrives.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another one bites the dust and Iftikhar Ahmed departs for a duck! Ben Stokes bowls this on a good length and just outside the off pole, there is some extra bounce off the wicket and it catches the edge of Iftikhar Ahmed's bat as he feels for the ball. Jos Buttler takes an easy catch behind the stumps and Pakistan seem to be losing their way a bit here. Another injury break results in a wicket.

Physio comes out.

Ben Stokes bowls a good-length delivery on a leg stump line, Shan Masood looks to work this leg side but misses. It perhaps hits him on the elbow and deflects to point. They cross for a leg bye.

Ben Stokes is bowling now. Moeen Ali could be an option as well on this pitch. He would be more than handy. Meanwhile, the physio has come out and the magic spray is out to lessen the pain of Masood who was hit on the elbow.

Flighted outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed gets forward to drive it on the off side. Gets an inside edge and the ball rolls behind square on the leg side. A wicket maiden by Adil Rashid.

Flatter and quicker on off, Iftikhar Ahmed plays this one off the back foot towards Adil Rashid.

Beaten again, Adil Rashid is getting some sharp turn from this wicket. Flighted outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed misses as he looks to cut this one.

Tossed up outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed gets beaten on the outside edge as he looks to work it on the off side.

Turning away from around off, Ahmed stays back and defends it towards the bowler.

Iftikhar Ahmed walks in next.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! What a weird dismissal. Rashid bowls a googly on off, Babar Azam fails to read it and looks to pull this one off the back foot at the last moment. Gets this one off the upper part of the bat and the ball lobs back to Adil Rashid. He reacts and dives to take the catch to his right. A much-needed wicket for England.

Change? Nopes. Jos Buttler is continuing with the leg-spin of Adil Rashid.

Liam Livingstone continues to float the ball and tempt the batter. This is served wide outside off on a fuller length, Shan Masood slices this over the backward point fielder and gets two runs in the process. A good over for Pakistan as 16 runs have come off it.

SIX! This is huge and Shan Masood is looking to be aggressive after the break! Liam Livingstone flights this full and into the batter, Shan Masood shimmies down the wicket and lifts the ball well over the long on boundary for a biggie. Pakistan are finally getting a move on here.

WIDE! Tosses this one full and wide outside off beyond the tram line. Shan Masood leaves this one alone and the umpire calls this wide.

FOUR! Crunched! Shan Masood gets a hold of this one and dispatches it to the boundary! Liam Livingstone bowls this full and in line with the stumps, Shan Masood stays deep in the crease and slams this past the non-striker for a boundary to straightish long on.

Another low full toss fired into the stumps, Shan Masood charges down the wicket and bumps the ball back to the bowler.

Bowls this short and outside off, Babar Azam rocks back and cuts this to the right of point to collect a run.

Liam Livingstone starts off with a low full toss outside off, Babar Azam whips this wide of long on and takes a couple of runs.

Short on off, Shan Masood rocks back and cuts this one past the diving Sam Curran at backward point. The fielder in the deep comes around and keeps it to two.

Drinks break. We are halfway into the first innings of the final and both teams will be quite pleased with the proceedings so far. England have picked up a couple of wickets and also kept the run rate in check. Pakistan, on the other hand, are trying to build their innings and prepare a launching platform for the end overs. Babar Azam holds the key in the middle phase and then the Men in Green will hope for their power hitters to express themselves. Liam Livingstone to bowl after the break.

The fielders in the deep are standing up quite a bit to stop the second run, informs Ravi Shastri (on air). Clearly, they are still trying to find a way.

WIDE! Adil Rashid loses his radar. Bowls this one wide down the leg side. Shan Masood misses the sweep.

Full on middle, Babar Azam clips it on the leg side and takes a run.

Tossed up on off, Shan Masood gets across and sweeps this one on the full towards deep square leg for a run.

Full and drifting at the pads, Babar Azam pushes it off the back foot towards long on for a single.

Flatter on off, Shan Masood backs away and punches it to deep cover for a single.

Flighted delivery on middle, Shan Masood moves in the crease and works this one towards long on and comes back for two.

Adil Rashid will be eyeing more wickets here. This pitch is certainly offering some assistance.

Gets the ball to nip back in sharply from outside off, Babar Azam blocks it towards mid on and it will be a dot ball to end the over.

Bowls this slightly full and outside the off pole, Shan Masood knocks this towards deep point and they look for a couple of runs but have to settle for a single.

Angled into the pads, on a good length, Shan Masood flicks this with soft hands towards deep mid-wicket and they run well to pick up a couple of runs.

This is on a good length as well and outside off, Babar Azam stays back to cut but there is some extra bounce and it goes off the outside edge to third man. They cross.

FOUR! That is some sublime timing from the skipper of Pakistan! Chris Jordan goes over the wicket to the right-hander and bowls this on a good length but strays on the pads. Babar Azam glances this in the gap towards deep backward square leg and collects four runs.

Chris Jordan begins with a fullish delivery served wide outside off from 'round the wicket to the left-hander. Shan Masood strokes this to deep point and takes a single.

Chris Jordan is introduced into the attack. He is fresh from a good outing against India.

Full on middle, Babar Azam plays it with soft hands towards deep mid-wicket and collects a couple of runs. Good sensible batting by Babar Azam.

Tossed up outside off, Babar Azam gets forward and flicks this one gently towards deep square leg. The fielder in the deep is on the ropes which allows the batters to come back for a double.

Flighted on off, Shan Masood gets down on one knee and sweeps it to deep square leg. Gets off the mark with a single.

Flighted on off, Shan Masood defends this one with a straight bat back to the bowler.

Googly to begin with against the new batter. Lands it around off and gets it to turn away, Masood tries to push inside the line but misses.

Shan Masood walks in next, at number 4.

OUT! CAUGHT! Adil Rashid strikes straightaway! Rashid starts off with a flighted delivery outside off, perhaps a googly, Mohammad Haris decides to take him on. Advances down the track looking to clear the straight boundary but skies this one towards long on. Ben Stokes, who is standing a few yards inside, settles under it and does the rest. Huge wicket for England as Haris had shown some good form of late.

Time for some spin now. Adil Rashid has the ball in his hand.

Ends the over with a good length delivery nipping back in from just outside off, Mohammad Haris gets across the stumps and manages to work the ball to deep backward square leg for a single to keep strike.

On a shorter length and outside the off stump, Mohammad Haris cross bats this over the mid off fielder and the ball gets stuck into the pitch. They collect two runs as the fielder collects the ball.

Bangs this in with pace and straight, Mohammad Haris looks to be aggressive but does not connect. The ball goes through to the keeper.

Continues bowling short and this is served outside off, Babar Azam gets on top of the bounce and knocks this to deep square leg for one.

Slightly short once again and in line with the stumps, Mohammad Haris pulls this to the right of mid on and takes a run.

Ben Stokes starts the over with a back-of-a-length delivery angling down leg, Babar Azam pulls the ball to deep square leg and takes a single.

FOUR! Opens his account with a wristy shot. Slower one again, on a length around leg, Haris waits and scoops it over short fine leg for a boundary. At the end of the Powerplay, Pakistan are 39 for 1.

Wide! Angling down the leg side, Haris tries to flick but misses.

Swing and a miss! Six dots now for Mohammad Haris. Pressure building on him. Woakes senses the charge from the batter and bowls a full ball around leg at 105 kph, Haris makes room to swing his bat but connects only with thin air.

Edged but falls short. Slower one, on a length around off at 110 kph and this one grips and holds a bit. Haris pushes inside the line and edges it towards point. The ball drops in front of the fielder.

Aerial but safe! Pace up this time, short and on off at 137 kph and the ball jumps onto the batter. Babar tries to pull but gets a top edge. It clears the infield at mid-wicket and they get a single.

FOUR! Helped away! A 115 kph delivery, on a length and down the leg side, Babar waits and waits before placing it wide of short fine leg for a boundary.

Woakes is into his third over and begins it with a fuller one on middle, Azam flicks but finds the mid-wicket fielder.

Four dots to the new batter who is trying all the shots in his book but without any result. Short again, around middle, Mohammad Haris arches back and tries to ramp it over the keeper but misses. End of a successful over for Curran.

Haris is trying to dominate Sam Curran here. Gives the charge and the bowler bowls it short and wide, Mohammad Haris ends up swishing and missing.

A bit short and wide outside off, Haris plays late but finds Rashid at short third man.

On a length around off, pushed through the line towards mid off.

Mohammad Haris makes his way out to the middle at number 3.

OUT! DRAGS IT ON! Sam Curran has been the go-to bowler for England throughout the tournament and he has done it again. That slight break in play and injury perhaps took the focus away. Curran serves it full and outside off, enticing the drive, Rizwan accepts the proposal but tries to do that away from his body. All he manages is an inside edge and the ball goes on to shatter the stumps. Curran jumps as Pakistan lose one of their prime batters.

Slight halt! Mohammad Rizwan seems to have hurt himself under his eye as he puts in the dive. The helmet bounces off the floor and catches him in the face as he calls the physios to come out immediately. He seems okay and the play is set to resume.

Mohammad Rizwan dives to complete the run and seems to have hurt himself. Back of a length, around leg, Babar turns it towards backward square leg and they cross. Rizwan rushes to the opposite end and dives to get in. While doing so, his helmet hit the ground and Rizwan has hurt himself.

Mistimed! Full in length, around off and angling in, Babar plays a mistimed flick shot, over wide mid on. They take three runs. A good over for Pakistan, 12 runs from it.

On a length and around off, Rizwan drops it with soft hands to covers and steals a single.

Fuller and on off, at 111 kph, Rizwan helps it towards mid-wicket and looks for a run. He is sent back.

Very full and on middle, Babar gets behind the line and digs it out towards mid on for one.

Square leg drops back.

Shortish and on off, tapped down to point for one.

SIX! Massive! This will settle the nerves somewhat. Mohammad Rizwan loves his sweep shot against the seamers. Pace off from Woakes, full and around middle at 111 kph, Rizwan kneels and smokes it over deep square leg for a biggie.

Beauty! Extra bounce and exaggerated inward movement this time. This starts from a good length around off and curls back in to cramp the batter for room. Rizwan fails to keep it out and takes a blow on his thigh pad. Superb over from Sam!

Flashes and misses! Width there outside off, short and angling away from the batter, Babar tries to cut but misses yet again.

Around off, on a good length and shooting off the surface a bit, Rizwan pushes at it, inside the line, and gets it away off the splice. The ball drops near point and they steal a run.

Pitches it up and around leg, Rizwan works it behind square leg and comes back for the second run.

Bowls it full and around off, Babar drives it through covers. There is a sweeper out there and hence it's only a single.

Swing and a miss! Curran begins with a delivery on a good length and outside off, Babar tries to cut but misses.

Angling in from a length around off, Rizwan falls over a bit in his stance as he works it towards mid-wicket. Dot ball to end the over, a good start for Woakes.

Doesn't time it well. Fullish and on off, Babar attempts a wristy flick but there is some extra bounce and he mistimes it in the air. The ball goes wide of mid on and they cross.

Woakes lands it full and on off, at 138 kph, Rizwan tries to flick but gets an inside edge. It runs down to long leg and they collect a run.

Fuller in length on off, Babar whips across the line, it comes off from the inner portion and dribbles through square leg. They cross for a run.

Bowls it full and on off, angling in, Babar shows a straight bat as he defends it towards mid off.

Pitches it up and outside off, with a 6-3 off side field, Babar drives but finds the cover fielder.

Wide! An extra to start the second over as well. Woakes slips a length ball down the leg side, Azam leaves. Buttler gets wrong-footed slightly and slips but does well to stop the ball.

Chris Woakes will bowl from the other end and share the attack.

Babar Azam is off the mark! Short in length and around off, Azam goes on the back foot and slaps it through cover-point. Adil Rashid cuts it off near the fence and they get three runs. Eventful first over!

Some outswing there, on a length and outside off, Babar stays back, opens the face of his blade and pushes it to point.

Direct hit would have been curtains for Mohammad Rizwan! Full delivery, around off, Rizwan strokes it straight to Chris Jordan at mid off and sets off for a risky run. He dives as Jordan misses his shy at the bowler's end.

Around off, on a length, Rizwan taps it down from the crease to cover-point.

Gloved away! Short and down the leg side, Rizwan gloves his attempted pull shot down to fine leg for a couple of runs.

Extra bounce this time. Back of a length and there is some extra bounce on the off. Rizwan misses the pull and gets hit on the body.

Free Hit stays as it's a WIDE down the leg side. Short in length, Rizwan tries to pull but misses.

First ball of the final and it's a no ball for overstepping - first from England in this World Cup! There is some swing on this ball, full and around off, Rizwan covers the movement and defends it back on the off side. The crowd roars as the Free Hit is loading...

A massive roar from the crowd as the pre-match formalities are completed and we are all set for the game to begin. The umpires stride over to the pitch and the England players form a huddle near the boundary line before taking their respective positions on the field. The English players have adorned black armbands in tribute to David English, founder of Bunbury schools festival, and considered the 'Godfather of English cricket', who has passed away at the age of 76. The deadly opening pair of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam enter the playing field and will be eager to get their team off to a good start. Ben Stokes has been handed the new ball and will begin proceedings. Let's play...

We are moments away from the start of this massive game but before that, the umpires and the players of both teams have lined up in the middle for the national anthems of the two nations taking part in this final. It will be the national anthem of England followed by Pakistan's national anthem.

Pitch Report - Nasser Hussain says that it is a perfect setting at the MCG for the final. Hopes that the rain stays away. Feels that it is a decent wicket. Adds that pacers will look to bang the ball short and force the batters to hit square. Reckons that bowlers need to pitch it up with the new ball. Ian Bishop adds that this wicket has dry grass as well as green patches. Ends by saying that at the MCG there is more swing in the Powerplay than any other ground.

Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan, says that they would have bowled first as well. Adds that they will now try to put runs on the board and put pressure on England. He feels that they have good momentum and they will look to continue that in this match. Shares that their last win gives them confidence and he is happy with the way the team has bounced back after the first two losses. Informs that they are going with the same team as the last game.

Jos Buttler, the captain of England, says he wants to bowl first. Adds that it's a huge game, with good energy and good nerves in the dressing room and in the stadium as well. Tells that both teams are in red-hot form and they are looking forward to the challenge. Feels that it's a good pitch, should stay true throughout, and since there is a forecast for rain, they want to chase. Wants his team to take confidence from the last victory. Informs that they are going with an unchanged XI.

ENGLAND (Unchanged Playing XI) - Jos Buttler(C/WK), Alex Hales, Philip Salt, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid.

PAKISTAN (Unchanged Playing XI) - Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi.

TOSS - The captains are out in the middle. The coin is flipped into the air and lands in favour of England. They have elected to BOWL first.

The weather has been the talking point for the last few days as the forecast has indicated that rain may ruin the final with the reserve day also not being enough to get a result. The sky is covered with grey clouds but the good news is that it has been that way for a considerable time and there is no rain. So we have our fingers crossed and we pray that the rain gods do not spoil the party. We await an enthralling contest between the English batters and the Pakistani bowlers and the unit that triumphs in this encounter, will surely help its team achieve victory. Which of these two teams will clinch their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title? We will find out soon. Stay tuned for the toss and team updates.

England are yet another team that did not get off to the best of starts in the tournament and their loss to Ireland brought back memories of the 2015 Cricket World Cup. They were placed in a group with quite a few favourites for this title but rain played its part and some strong performances towards the end of the group stage allowed them to nudge past the hosts Australia to book a spot in the semi-finals. They faced a dangerous Indian side in their previous game and romped to a 10-wicket win thereby entering the finals as slight favourites. The openers for England look dangerous and they bat so deep that they always look to attack from the start which allows them to accumulate runs easily. Their bowling has been circumspect at times but they have utilized their spin options effectively. 

Pakistan were the first team to book their spot in the finals and what a turn of fortune they have had in this competition. After suffering back-to-back losses to start their campaign against India and Zimbabwe, they looked destined to be eliminated from the competition. However, just as they have done in the past mega events, they came back from the dumps and found themselves in the knockout stages with other results going in their favour. They beat Group 1 toppers New Zealand in a convincing manner the last time around, primarily due to the return to form of their deadly opening pair. The middle order has contributed with runs throughout the tournament but their main asset is their four-pronged fast bowling unit that has made its mark in the competition as the most deadly bowling attack. They possess a complete team but the question is will the players arrive at this crucial junction or go missing as they have done a few times in the past?

Hello and a warm welcome, ladies and gentlemen to our coverage of the final showdown in the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the anticipation builds to see who will be crowned champions of the world in the shortest format of the game. The clash will see two potent sides, England and Pakistan battle it out for the coveted trophy after dismantling their opponents in the semi-finals. Both teams stood second in their respective groups and hit peak form at the right time in the tournament. The build-up to this game has been electrifying with cricketing fans all over the world eagerly awaiting this fixture and the moment has finally arrived. The playing field is prepared, the cricketing giants have arrived and the ensuing battle has all the makings of an absolute thriller!

... THE FINALE ...

We are all fascinated or inspired by the history around us, whether it is in sports or in life in general. If you talk about the history of cricket, the 1992 World Cup in Australia was a significant step in the evolution of the game. It was the first World Cup that was played with coloured clothes, and white cricket balls with matches played under floodlights and that ushered in a new era in world cricket. 30 years have gone passed since then and a lot has changed but history has the knack of repeating itself and now the finalists of the 1992 World Cup are here again, ready to fight it out for the ultimate glory in the grand finale of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. Yes, it is England up against Pakistan in the final of the World Cup again, 30 long years after Imran Khan and his boys managed to outclass England to take home their maiden World Cup trophy. This time the format is different and let’s see how the action unfolds as jam-packed MCG awaits us. Let’s now talk about the journeys of both these teams in this World Cup. Starting with Pakistan, one must say that it is pretty similar to the one they had 30 years ago in Australia. They were almost down and out of the competition after losing their initial two matches to India and Zimbabwe but somehow they kept believing and won all the matches post that including a dominating win against New Zealand in the semifinal to reach the summit clash. In the semifinal, it was the opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan that finally came to the party after struggling throughout the tournament while their bowling has been pretty fantastic right from the start. The biggest positive for Pakistan coming into this final is that they have peaked at the right time in this World Cup and almost all facets of the game are clicking at the moment. Their middle order which was a concern at the start of the tournament has put together some brilliant rescue acts while Shaheen Afridi is also back at his best with 9 wickets in the last 3 games compared to only one wicket in three games before that. So, it all seems bright for Pakistan at the moment but let’s not forget that they are up against a dangerous and belligerent white-ball unit, England. India were at the receiving end of their onslaught in the semifinal as Jos Buttler and Alex Hales came out all guns blazing and registered a record-breaking unbeaten opening stand of 170 to clinch the game in style. England’s bowling was also on the mark as despite losing an x-factor bowler like Mark Wood, they kept their discipline and delivered a clinical bowling performance. Like Pakistan though, England were also in a spot of bother when they lost to Ireland in their second game and the game against Australia was washed out due to rain. However, the dynamic opening duo of Alex Hales and Jos Buttler has fired since then and Ben Stokes also came up with an important knock against the Lankans. On the bowling front, Sam Curran has been brilliant at the death and has picked 10 wickets so far while Mark Wood has successfully rattled the opponents with his rapid bullets to take 9 wickets in the competition. He missed out in a semifinal due to an injury but is expected to be back for the all-important final. Both teams played a perfect game in the semifinal and would be hoping to do the same on the night of the final. One of the major battles of this final would be how English batters tackle the spin duo of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz and once again the onus would be on their openers to provide a good start. Shadab Khan and Ben Stokes, the two all-rounders would be key for their respective sides and are expected to make an impact in this final. There are also chances of rain greeting us again after a healthy break in the semis but let's hope that does not happen and it is cricket that takes the centre stage. This World Cup has been one of the best in recent times with plenty of nail-bitters along the way, and we can expect one last act of this World Cup to be a fascinating one as well. So, can Babar Azam and his boys do what their seniors did 30 years ago at MCG and beat England in the final? Or will England, the defending champions in the 50-over format, add the T20 World Cup trophy to their cabinet as well? Let’s find out as we get ready for the final showdown at the ‘G’.