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England win toss, ask Pakistan to bat first in T20 WC final

Update : 13 Nov 2022, 14:32

England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and asked Pakistan to bat first in the final of the T20 World Cup at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) today (November 13).

The stake is high for the grand final as both of the teams moved to the final, crushing their respective opponents in one-sided game in the semifinal.

While England pounded India by 10 wickets, Pakistan effortlessly secured a seven-wicket win over hot favourite New Zealand.

However both of the teams fielded an unchanged side that won them the game in the semifinal.

Pakistan which lost first two matches to archrivals India and minnows Zimbabwe, rose from the ashes to make it the final and want to complete this run like 1992, when they won their lone ODI World Cup, led by legendary Imran Khan.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam said he also would have bowled first if he won the toss.

"We'll try to put runs on the board and put pressure on. The way the team is playing is outstanding. History repeats [from 1992]... we'll do our best," Babar said after the toss.

Going by the performance, England are believed to be favourite to win the game. Buttler nevertheless emphasized on holding nerve in crucial moments.

"Huge game, good nerves, good energy around the team and in the stadium," said Buttler. "Both teams in red-hot form, looks a good wicket, a bit of weather around which is why we bowled first."

Line Ups:

Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

England: Jos Buttler (captain & wk), Alex Hales, Phil Salt, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid.

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