Its official Pakistan will face England in a world cricket Final for the second time.
Previuosly the final was a one day internaltional way back in 1992. When Imran khan let his team to a memorable victory.
Some similarieties
Pakistan beat New Zealand in the semi final
The final was at the MCG and will be again
The similarities dont end there. Back in 1992 Pakistan were all but out until the weather intervened and Pakistan got a very favourable duckworth lewis result and ended up qualifiying.
This time round Pakistan were all but out of the tournement needing Netherlands to beat South Africa which was extremely unlikley and then beat Bangladesh themselves to progress which somehow happened.
Pakistan vs new Zealand Semi final 1
This was always fairly comfortable for Pakistan.
After restricting New Zealand to 152 Pakistan never seemed in danger chasing the total down and won with 5 balls to spare.
India vs England
India managed to get 168 which was considered a par score. England soon dispelled that theory was destorying India and reaching the target which 4 overs to spare and not losing a single wicket.
The Final
Being a Pakistan fan, I was possibly the only one hoping for India to win.
England seem to be much more dangerous than India.
Pakistan did lose to India in the openeing game but looking more into that game Pakistan lost the game as opposed to India winning it. India required 16 runs from the final over and Pakistan couldnt handle the heat.
England overall are a better outfit and a much tougher opposition.
How I hope the final will play out
These are the things I believe are required and need to fall into place in order for Pakistan to be victory.
Pakistan need to win the toss and put England into bat.
Pakistan are good at chasing a target and bad at setting one.
Pakistan need to restrict England to 180.
This does seem like a high target to call it a restriction but England are quite capable of posting over 200 and Pakistan will not chase that down.
In order for Pakistan to restrict England to below 180 they have to take wickets in the powerplay. If they manage to take 2-3 wickets in the first 6 overs then its possible England come have a collapse and post a managable total.
Regardelss of what total England set, Pakistan need to go out all guns blazing and the openers need to score at a rapid rate. Pakistan opening partnership is the most productive in world cricket but sometimes can be a bit pedestrian which puts pressure on the younger players coming in later.
These are just some of the things I feel need to happen for Pakistan to be successful.
I couldnt help it!!!
