PAK vs ENG Final Match Prediction

PAK vs ENG Team Previews

Pakistan

Pakistan was brilliant against New Zealand in the semi-final. That match in Sydney was almost played in subcontinent-like conditions. There was no extra bounce to contend with, the spinners were getting help, and there was almost no swing on offer. 

That is not going to be the case in Melbourne. 

Pakistan lost to India in Melbourne and to Zimbabwe in Perth. Both venues where there has been a lot of bounce and pace. Data suggests that Pakistani batters are among the worst when it comes to scoring off and protecting their wickets against short-pitched bowling. 

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan returned to form and the addition of Mohammad Haris seems to have revitalized the lineup. We think, however, that Shan Masood and Iftikhar Ahmed are the two batters likely to have the tools to succeed against England in this match. The Pakistani all-rounders (Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz) could struggle if there is a lot of pace and bounce on offer. 

Pakistan's bowling lineup is so good, though, that it can help the team defend even par totals with ease. Shaheen Afridi now has 10 wickets in the tournament after going wicketless in the first two matches. Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Naseem Shah form what is perhaps the best pace bowling lineup in the tournament. 

Shadab Khan has been the best spinner on show in terms of wickets and economy rate as well. This is why Pakistan can never be counted out in any contest, no matter what the conditions. 

England

England crushed India in the semi-final. They did not just beat them but they absolutely annihilated them. 169 could have been a tricky target but on a pitch that was not the easiest to bat on, Jos Buttler and Alex Hales made mincemeat of the Indian bowling. 

The conditions are likely to be a lot different and the bowling a lot more challenging in the World Cup Final, though. 

England's bowling utilizes the matchups very well. You can be certain that they will use the short ball liberally in the match against Pakistan. Mark Wood was not fit for the semi-final but he could find a place in the Final. Even if he does not, Chris Jordan or maybe Tymal Mills could be given the job of the pace bowling enforcer. 

Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone turned the ball away from the right-handers. Against Pakistan, that might be a bit trickier since they have a couple of left-handers to disrupt that plan. Livingstone with his off-spin and Moeen Ali could be used a lot more also. 

Dawid Malan was missing from the batting lineup and he is unlikely to be available for the Final either. Jos Buttler and Alex Hales are the obvious big names but someone like Phil Salt can be very destructive as well. With a very deep and flexible batting lineup that has power players like Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone or anchors like Ben Stokes and Harry Brook, England can pick and choose which player to send in what condition. 

England has been playing top-quality white-ball cricket for quite some time now and it looks as if the reigning ODI Champions are likely to add the T20 crown to their cupboard as well.