The highly anticipated Pakistan versus England final of the 2022 T20 World Cup was a thriller that kept fans on the edge of their seats. In this article, we'll break down the complete scorecard, dissect the key moments, and provide a comprehensive analysis of the match. Whether you're a die-hard cricket fan or just catching up on the action, you'll find everything you need to know about this epic encounter right here.

Match Summary

The final took place on November 13, 2022, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia. England won the toss and elected to field first. Pakistan, after a shaky start, managed to post a total of 137/8 in their 20 overs. England, in response, chased down the target with five wickets in hand and one over to spare. This victory marked England's second T20 World Cup title, adding another feather to their cap in the world of cricket. The match was filled with dramatic twists and turns, showcasing brilliant performances from both sides. From stunning catches to powerful hitting, the final had it all, making it a memorable event for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The atmosphere at the MCG was electric, with fans from both nations creating a vibrant and energetic environment.

Pakistan's Innings

Top Order Collapse

Pakistan's innings began with a significant challenge as their top order struggled to build a solid foundation. The in-form opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan found it tough to negotiate the English bowlers in the early overs. Babar Azam, the captain and key batsman, was dismissed for a relatively low score, putting immense pressure on the rest of the batting lineup. Mohammad Rizwan, known for his consistent performances, also couldn't find his rhythm, contributing to the early setbacks. The English bowlers, particularly Sam Curran and Chris Woakes, exploited the conditions perfectly, creating an uphill battle for Pakistan right from the start. This top-order collapse set the tone for a challenging innings, forcing the middle order to rebuild and stabilize the innings. The early dismissals of key players left the Pakistani fans in shock and raised concerns about their chances of posting a competitive total. Despite the shaky start, the middle-order batsmen had the responsibility to steer the team towards a respectable score.

Middle Order Recovery

Following the early wickets, Pakistan's middle order attempted to steady the ship and build a respectable total. Shan Masood emerged as the top scorer, providing much-needed stability and resilience. His crucial innings helped Pakistan recover from the initial setbacks. Masood's ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries at crucial moments was instrumental in keeping the scoreboard ticking. He formed important partnerships with other batsmen, preventing a complete collapse and giving the team a chance to fight back. The middle order's strategy focused on minimizing risks and maximizing scoring opportunities, aiming to set a challenging target for England. Contributions from players like Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz further supported the recovery effort, showcasing their determination and adaptability under pressure. Although the middle order faced tight bowling and fielding from the English side, their efforts were vital in ensuring Pakistan reached a competitive score.

Late Overs Push

In the final overs, Pakistan aimed to accelerate the scoring rate and add crucial runs to their total. However, the English bowlers executed their plans effectively, restricting Pakistan's ability to score freely. Despite the efforts of the lower-order batsmen to maximize the scoring opportunities, they faced tight bowling and strategic field placements. The English bowlers used variations in pace and length to keep the batsmen guessing, making it difficult for them to hit boundaries. The pressure to score runs led to some risky shots, resulting in wickets that further hampered Pakistan's progress. The late overs push was crucial for Pakistan to set a challenging target, but the disciplined bowling and fielding from England prevented them from achieving their desired run rate. The Pakistani batsmen tried their best to find gaps in the field and steal quick singles, but the English fielders were quick and agile, cutting off many potential runs. Ultimately, Pakistan managed to add some valuable runs in the final overs, but they fell short of their desired total.

England's Innings

Steady Start

England's innings began with a calculated approach, aiming to build a solid foundation and avoid early wickets. The opening pair of Jos Buttler and Alex Hales started cautiously, focusing on rotating the strike and finding occasional boundaries. Their strategy was to assess the pitch conditions and get a feel for the Pakistani bowlers before accelerating the scoring rate. The Pakistani bowlers, known for their pace and accuracy, kept the English openers in check with tight lines and lengths. The initial overs saw a mix of defensive play and calculated aggression, as England aimed to keep wickets in hand for the later stages of the innings. The steady start provided a platform for the middle order to come in and capitalize on the foundation laid by the openers. The English batsmen showed patience and discipline, avoiding unnecessary risks and focusing on building a partnership. This approach was crucial in ensuring they remained in control of the chase and didn't succumb to early pressure.

Middle Order Consolidation

Following the steady start, England's middle order played a crucial role in consolidating the innings and maintaining the momentum. Ben Stokes emerged as the key player, anchoring the innings with his composed and calculated approach. His ability to handle pressure and build partnerships was instrumental in guiding England towards the target. Stokes focused on rotating the strike and finding gaps in the field, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking. He formed crucial partnerships with other batsmen, preventing any significant collapse and keeping the chase on track. The middle order's strategy revolved around minimizing risks and capitalizing on scoring opportunities, ensuring they stayed ahead of the required run rate. Contributions from players like Harry Brook and Moeen Ali further supported the consolidation effort, showcasing their adaptability and resilience under pressure. The middle order faced tight bowling and fielding from the Pakistani side, but their efforts were vital in ensuring England remained in a strong position to win the match.

Closing Stages

In the final overs, England needed to maintain their composure and see the chase through. Ben Stokes continued to anchor the innings, guiding the team closer to the target. The pressure mounted as the required run rate increased, but Stokes remained calm and focused, making smart decisions and executing his shots effectively. The Pakistani bowlers tried their best to create pressure and take wickets, but Stokes' resilience and experience proved too much to handle. With support from the other batsmen, England managed to keep the scoreboard ticking and edge closer to victory. The closing stages were filled with tension and excitement, as both teams fought hard for every run and every wicket. In the end, England held their nerve and crossed the finish line, securing a memorable victory in the T20 World Cup final. The celebrations erupted as the English players and fans rejoiced in their triumph, marking a significant achievement in their cricketing history.

Key Moments

Sam Curran's Spell

Sam Curran's exceptional bowling spell was a game-changing moment in the final. His ability to swing the ball and take crucial wickets at key junctures of the match earned him the Player of the Match award. Curran's spell disrupted Pakistan's batting lineup and prevented them from building a substantial total. His accurate line and length, combined with his variations in pace, made it difficult for the Pakistani batsmen to score freely. Curran's wickets included key players, which further dented Pakistan's chances of setting a competitive target. His performance showcased his skill and composure under pressure, making him a valuable asset to the England team. Curran's spell not only restricted Pakistan's scoring but also boosted England's confidence, setting the stage for their successful chase. His contribution was instrumental in England's victory, highlighting his importance in the team's bowling attack.

Ben Stokes' Innings

Ben Stokes' match-winning innings was another pivotal moment in the final. His ability to handle pressure and anchor the chase was crucial in guiding England to victory. Stokes' composed and calculated approach allowed him to build partnerships and keep the scoreboard ticking. He rotated the strike effectively, finding gaps in the field and minimizing risks. Stokes' innings showcased his experience and resilience, making him a dependable player in high-pressure situations. His performance demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, making him an invaluable asset to the England team. Stokes' innings not only secured the victory for England but also solidified his reputation as a match-winner.

Scorecard

Pakistan

Fall of Wickets: 1-29 (Mohammad Rizwan, 4.2 ov), 2-68 (Babar Azam, 11.5 ov), 3-84 (Iftikhar Ahmed, 13.2 ov), 4-85 (Mohammad Nawaz, 14.1 ov), 5-111 (Shadab Khan, 17.2 ov), 6-129 (Shan Masood, 19.1 ov), 7-137 (Shaheen Afridi, 19.5 ov), 8-137 (Haris Rauf, 19.6 ov)

England Bowling:

England

Fall of Wickets: 1-7 (Alex Hales, 1.6 ov), 2-32 (Philip Salt, 4.6 ov), 3-45 (Jos Buttler, 6.3 ov), 4-97 (Harry Brook, 15.1 ov), 5-132 (Moeen Ali, 18.4 ov)

Pakistan Bowling:

Conclusion

The England vs. Pakistan final of the 2022 T20 World Cup was a match filled with drama, excitement, and outstanding performances. England's victory was a testament to their balanced team, strategic approach, and ability to perform under pressure. Pakistan, despite their best efforts, fell short due to a combination of early setbacks and disciplined bowling from England. This final will be remembered as a classic encounter in the history of T20 cricket, showcasing the best of both teams and the unpredictable nature of the game. Guys, what a game it was!