Pakistan vs England LIVE: T20 Cricket World Cup final result and reaction as Ben Stokes stars

Ben Stokes was the hero with the bat once again as England successfully chased down Pakistan to win the T20 World Cup in a thrilling final in Melbourne.

Stokes produced his highest T20 score - finishing with an unbeaten 52 runs off 49 balls for his first half-century in the format - as the all-rounder produced another sublime performance on the biggest stage.

England were set 138 to win following wonderful bowling from Sam Curran and Adil Rashid and looked odds-on to add to complete the set of World Cups following their victory in the 50-over format in 2019.

But Pakistan responded to slow England’s momentum, removing Alex Hales early and then following with the wicket of Jos Buttler to set up a nervy finish at the MCG.

Stokes, as well as Moeen Ali, stood up to the challenge and turned the tide following a sensational 17th over that produced 16 runs as England swung for the boundaries. Ali was dismissed to leave England needing six runs off their final 10 balls - but Stokes completed his first T20 half-century to win the World Cup for England.

Follow all the reaction from the T20 World Cup final:

Pakistan vs England

• WICKET! Rizwan bowled by Curran for the England breakthrough, 29/1 after 4.2

• SIX! Shan attacks Livingstone with a massive over, 16 from it to kick-start the Pakistan innings, 84/2

• WICKET! Rashid with the googly and makes the smart catch to remove Babar, 84/3 after 11.1

• WICKET! Stokes with line and length and Iftikhar nibbles at it, Buttler takes the catch, 85/4 after 12.2

• WICKET! Jordan gets in on the act, Shadab falls hitting across the line, Woakes with the catch, 123/6 after 17.2

• WICKET! Curran making a play for player of the tournament after grabbing third wicket, 130/7 after 18.5

• WICKET! Afridi with a beauty to clean up Hales, a Pakistan lifeline, 7/1 after 1.0

• WICKET! Salt chips up off Haris with Iftikhar taking the catch, 32/2 after 4.0

• SIX! Audacious from Buttler, a delightful scoop to send Naseem over the ropes, 43/2 after 5.0

• WICKET! Haris Rauf has the prized scalp of Buttler, England in trouble at 49/3 after 6.0

• WICKET! Shadab removes Brook with Afridi sliding in the deep to take the catch, 84/4 after 12.3

England beat Pakistan by five wickets to win T20 World Cup

11:49 , Jack Rathborn

England beat Pakistan by five wickets to win T20 World Cup

11:45 , Jack Rathborn

“I didn’t think it would come again, this is the icing on the cake,” says Hales.

“I did take my time, they’re a high quality bowling attack. I enjoyed this tournament and played well in some big games.

“It was a decent ball yes.”

England beat Pakistan by five wickets to win T20 World Cup

11:44 , Jack Rathborn

Moeen: “To do it against an amazing Pakistan side, I thought it was about keeping my intent. If I get out, I get out.

“I put on a crucial partnership to win the game.”

England beat Pakistan by five wickets to win T20 World Cup

11:42 , Jack Rathborn

England beat Pakistan by five wickets to win T20 World Cup as Stokes completes his half-century.

Stokes: “In finals, chasing first, you forget the hard work, how we bowled, Rashid, Curran, that's what won us the game. To restrict them to 130 or whatever, the bowlers must take credit.

“The best teams move onto the next challenge, pretty good evening. Representing your country, World Cups, it’s amazing.”

England 137/4 (18.4) Stokes 51(47), Livingstone 1 (2) - Target: 138

11:35 , Jack Rathborn

FOUR! Ben Stokes has 50, one to win, here we go...

England 131/4 (18.1) Stokes 47 (47), Moeen 19 (11) - Target: 138

11:32 , Jack Rathborn

Here we go then, two overs left, England need seven to win!

A sneaky single shows Stokes still has life in the legs yet.

GONE! Moeen clean bowled by Mohammad Wasim, Pakistan fighting to the end.

England 130/4 (17.3) - Target: 138

11:29 , Jack Rathborn

Moeen steers one for a single, England looking to get this over in a hurry and avoid that final over where Pakistan can be dangerous.

Nearly a run-out, then an overthrow, Stokes asked by Moeen if he wants one more? No chance, he’s knackered.

England 119/4 (16.3) - Target: 138

11:23 , Jack Rathborn

Moeen joins the party! Four more...

And another, Mohammad Wasim is dispatched once again. This partnership is surely going to take England over the line now.

England 110/4 (16.0) - Target: 138

11:18 , Jack Rathborn

Afridi is back! Is he fresh enough? He looks loose, can he spark another twist in this game?

41 from 30 then, Moeen facing the dangerous Afridi, but he backs off, is he hurt?

It’s all over for Afridi, he wisely backs off and leaves the game.

Stokes can’t cleanly strike Iftikhar and this could be caught? NO! It’s inches short, Stokes survives!

FOUR! Stokes bludgeons this one, he doesn’t run, he knows. HUGE.

Speaking of which, six more, my goodness, clutch from Stokes.

England 97/4 (15.0) Stokes 28 (35), Moeen 3 (4) - Target: 138

11:15 , Jack Rathborn

Moeen stabs one down the ground for a single, the scoreboard moving is England’s friend at this stage.

Pakistan desperate for wickets, the required run rate is 8.44 from here, and the win predictor is 66 percent in England’s favour.

Pakistan appealing for anything now, but Stokes cuts one to the boundary. Hands on heads around the ground as Pakistan feel the pain of every boundary.

England 89/4 (14.0) Stokes 21 (30), Moeen 2 (3) - Target: 138

11:02 , Jack Rathborn

A nice adaption from Shadab as Brook makes a move and the line is tweaked, it’s wide and Brook cannot get it all.

WICKET! Shadab tempts Brook and it's caught in the deep by Afridi, another swing in momentum.

Afridi is hurt and suffering after the fall, he departs after his catch.

Stokes should be gone, he’s out of his crease. A slip sees him fall slightly short, but Pakistan cannot make the play.

Moeen in and clubs one for a single. Some game now, tension around the MCG.

Naseem is bowling superbly, nailing his line and length. England in a bit of a hole here... No update on Shaheen yet, will he return?

England 82/3 (12.0) Stokes 18 (24), Brook 18 (20) - Target: 138

10:58 , Jack Rathborn

Desperate from Haris! He storms towards the ball at the boundary and puts his body on the line, he saves two runs, impressive.

Such commitment. Naseem with swing now and Stokes misses the edge, fortunately for England.

Naseem is adamant Stokes got a nick, Baba sends it upstairs... Drama?

Ultra Edge shows no contact made from Stokes’ bat, England survive! So close, but not enough, Pakistan need a spark, they so nearly got it.

England 77/3 (11.0) Stokes 17 (20), Brook 14 (16) - Target: 138

10:56 , Jack Rathborn

Stokes using all his experience here and gently seizing the momentum in what is a slow bleed for Pakistan as England gradually move closer to 138.

Just 59 needed from 54 balls.

England 77/3 (10.0) Stokes 17 (16), Brook 14 (16) - Target: 138

10:52 , Jack Rathborn

England 77/3 (10.0) Stokes 17 (16), Brook 14 (16) - Target: 138

10:50 , Jack Rathborn

Full toss and that’s a beauty from Stokes, who chuckles after steering Wasim to the boundary.

Brook then dashes half-way down the wicket but Stokes is unmoved, he turns and has to lunge to avoid the runout.

We now have a live game after a brief scare with the weather.

It’s 61 from 60 for victory for England.

England 72/3 (9.3) - Target: 138

10:44 , Jack Rathborn

Shadab with a bit more pace and straighter, but he’s unlucky here.

A sweep gone wrong sees Stokes deflect one past Rizwan to the boundary.

That’s a controlled slash from Brook to cover for a single.

Then Stokes picks up one off the toes, a misfield will double his return too. More control now for England in the innnings.

England 58/3 (8.0) Stokes 5 (10), Brook 10 (10) - Target: 138

10:41 , Jack Rathborn

That’s a nasty one for Brook, it catches him on the elbow, we’ll have a medical break as he receives some attention.

England 58/3 (7.2) - Target: 138

10:38 , Jack Rathborn

Mohammad Wasim is pushed around for a couple of singles by Brook and Stokes.

Wasim with a couple of wides, that won’t help Pakistan’s cause, respite for England.

England 49/3 (5.4) - Haris Rauf removes Jos Buttler!

10:28 , Jack Rathborn

WICKET! Haris with a huge moment, Buttler edges and it’s a simple catch from Rizwan, Pakistan believe!

Buttler gone for 26, England 45/3.

Brook arrives at the crease, this is a turbulent time for England, major adversity here despite what many assumed would be a modest chase.

That’s four! A little grin from Brook, he’s loving this stage, a little dance down the wicket and timed through the gap.

England 43/2 (5.0)

10:24 , Jack Rathborn

Buttler with a lovely shot, audacious, it’s six as he shuffles over and scoops that one up and over for a maximum off Naseem Shah.

It’s a superb over though, with Naseem beating the edge on a few occasions.

95 needed from 90 balls...

England 32/2 (4.0) - Haris removes Salt to hand Pakistan more hope

10:16 , Jack Rathborn

WICKET! Haris into the action and Salt is GONE!

Pakistan believe here, it’s chipped up to Iftikhar Ahmed, this is a big power play!

Salt walks after making 10 from nine.

Ben Stokes arrives, what a moment. Pakistan are fired up here, we have a game!

England 27/1 (2.3)

10:08 , Jack Rathborn

Pakistan want an lbw here... Shaheen Shah Afridi to Phil Salt.

It’s appealed, let’s take a look, the Pakistan fans love the move.

The impact was outside leg as it clattered the back thigh pad. That’s not out!

Glorious from the skipper, timing and placement! Off the toes and Afridi can only grimace at it races to the boundary.

England 15/1 (1.4)

10:03 , Jack Rathborn

Jos the boss! Just as the MCG comes alive for the Pakistan fans, back-to-back boundaries...

England 7/1 (1.0) - Afridi bowls Hales with a cracker!

09:58 , Jack Rathborn

So then, England looking for 138 to win the T20 World Cup.

Good running first up between Buttler and Hales, they dash for a breezy two.

Shaheen Shah Afridi to Buttler and it whistles past the edge, my goodness it’s close.

The half-appeal is there, but ultra edge later shows us there was no contact.

GONE! Afridi bowls him, Hales cleaned up! WOW!

Pakistan 137/8 (20.0) - Afridi 5 (3), Haris 1 (1)

09:42 , Jack Rathborn

Livingstone dashes in, Mohammad Wasim is deceived by a slower ball from Jordan.

A suggestion that it might have fallen short, but that’s OUT!

Haris with a big swing, perhaps knowing he has no pressure now with the damage done.

Now Afridi with a top edge and it races to the boundary, FOUR!

Pakistan give England a target of 138 to win the T20 World Cup, we’ll be right back!

Pakistan 130/7 (18.5)

09:37 , Jack Rathborn

WICKET! Curran has a third, England cruising here!

Nawaz gone for five off seven after looking to fizz one from a full length Curran delivery.

But it can only be chipped up and Livingstone won’t make any mistake in the deep.

Pakistan 127/6 (18.0) - Nawaz 3 (4), Wasim 3 (3)

09:31 , Jack Rathborn

WICKET! Jordan with England's sixth, Shadab going over the top and Woakes makes no mistake, 123/6.

There could’ve been another for England, but it’s a drop, then an overthrow, Pakistan scramble for three.

Stokes couldn’t prevent the overthrow and then Rashid is tumbling in pursuit of another run-out. High drama.

Pakistan 122/5 (17.0) - Nawaz 1 (2), Shadab 20 (13)

09:27 , Jack Rathborn

Shan is GONE! Flicked up to Livingstone at midwicket and Curran does the business again.

That’s an easy catch and Pakistan are five down.

Pakistan 119/4 (16.0) - Shan 38 (26), Shadab 20 (12)

09:20 , Jack Rathborn

A desperate effort from Salt at the rope, he can’t prevent the Shadab boundary, this is crunch time!

This is the partnership then, if Pakistan are to have a chance in this final.

Stokes looking a little weary but a great job, 1 for 32 from his spell.

Pakistan 106/4 (15.0) - Shan 34 (23), Shadab 10 (8)

09:13 , Jack Rathborn

Shan clattered on the helmet by Jordan, medical timeout...

We’re back underway and Shan is fine, a tidy boundary off Jordan gives Pakistan some respite.

But England are alive in the field and close off an optimistic second as Shan looks to motor in the closing stages of the innings.

Score predictor has Pakistan at 152 and 9.1 per over.

Pakistan 98/4 (14.0) - Shan 28 (19), Shadab 8 (6)

09:10 , Jack Rathborn

Lovely from Shadab, puts Rashid to the boundary, sailed over his head. Pakistan needed that.

Will they take a few risks now? Rashid with a dot ball to finish the over, some spell!

Pakistan 90/4 (13.0)

09:03 , Jack Rathborn

Rashid has changed the game, turning it beautifully, will Buttler bowl him out?

Iftikhar struggling to get off the mark here...

GOT HIM! Stokes with another and Iftikhar edges one back to Buttler, England in dreamland!

Shadab Khan to the crease, huge responsibility, can he salvage this innings?

Pakistan have to go for 155-160, according to Morgan, a big ask now, surely?

Pakistan 84/3 (12.0) - Iftikhar Ahmed 0 (5), Shan Masood 22 (14)

08:58 , Jack Rathborn

GOT HIM! Rashid with the googly, Babar can’t read it and Rashid tumbles to the deck, clasping the ball, stunned silence at the MCG, England have a massive wicket.

Rashid on the attack and Moeen waiting to pounce at slip. Pakistan right up against this, the wrongun almost brings a second wicket from the over, stunnning from Rashid.

A maiden and a wicket of course, England in the driving seat now.

Pakistan 84/2 (11.0)

08:56 , Jack Rathborn

BIG! Shan clatters Livingstone to the boundary, much-needed and the Pakistan legion of supporters are alive.

HUGE! Another big hit, it’s gone a mile up, clears the rope and Livingstone being targeted here.

Another slashing stroke that sails over backward point, two more. Wow, Pakistan needed that. 16 runs off it!

Pakistan 63/2 (10.0) - Azam 29 (25), Shan 11 (10)

08:51 , Jack Rathborn

Rashid back into the attack and looking for more wickets.

Babar and Shan just manipulating the ball nicely to keep the scoreboard moving.

A wide with the sixth ball of the over gives Pakistan a chance to take a big chunk off the over and a misfield from Curran allows them to gain two bonus runs.

Pakistan 59/2 (9.0) - Azam 27 (23), Shan 5 (6)

08:46 , Jack Rathborn

Azam flicks one to fine leg to take four runs off Jordan.

The crowd needed that one, can Pakistan rally as they approach the half-way point of the innings?

This is frantic running, Shan pushing and hoping to get the scoreboard moving after shuffling across and pushing it into the square leg area.

Jordan finishes off the over by conceding another single, 10 off the over.

Pakistan 50/2 (8.0) - Azam 22 (20), Shan 1 (3)

08:40 , Jack Rathborn

Rashid into the attack and GONE!

What an impact, Haris can’t resist, he’s gone for 8 (12) as Stokes comfortably gathers that one.

A settler for Shan to get off the mark.

Pakistan 45/1 (7.0) - Azam 18 (18), Haris 8 (11)

08:37 , Jack Rathborn

Stokes back in then... Pulled to backward square leg, Azam still not heating up. England will be satisfied here.

The intent is all from Haris, again not caught well, but it’s back over Stokes’ head and is enough for a couple.

Pakistan 39/1 (6.0) - Azam 17 (17), Haris 4 (7)

08:31 , Jack Rathborn

Azam times one for no gain, but Pakistan need to see the ball with a bit of a hurry as we reach the second quarter of the innings.

Woakes sent to the boundary, down to fine leg after picking the slower one.

Then chipped up, panic... But it’s safe and Jordan hurries around to keep it to one.

Edged... It falls short, Pakistan continue to struggle early. It doesn’t carry to backward point. Haris is out of sync, his timing is off here, will he catch one to settle the nerves?

An extra as Woakes drags one wide of Haris’ pads, the final ball of the power play...

That’s sublime, delicately flicked up and down to fine leg for a much-needed four.

Pakistan 29/1 (5.0) Azam 11 (13), Haris 0 (4) - Rizwan bowled by Curran!

08:25 , Jack Rathborn

A nerve-settler for Pakistan in that last over, they needed it.

Bu Curran breaks through, Rizwan drags on, GONE!

In comes Muhammad Haris...

Haris looking to tickle one down to third man, but can’t find the gap.

And a big swing to the fences! Curran licking his lips, this will be fun at the very least. Haris will not go with any regrets it seems.

Another dot ball to end it, Curran with superb work to give up just one run and take a wicket.

Pakistan 28/0 (4.0) - Azam 11 (13), Rizwan 15 (13)

08:19 , Jack Rathborn

MASSIVE! That’ll work after a slow start, Rizwan sweeps one to square leg for SIX!

Woakes responds well though, three runs from the next four balls, in the block hole.

Azam whips one to the onside, it’s not timed again, but they’ll hurry for three. Good running.

Pakistan 16/0 (3.0) - Azam 6 (10), Rizwan 7 (9)

08:15 , Jack Rathborn

Sam Curran in for England in the first change, a drifter that goes across.

And again, Babar can only get one with this drive, Livingstone picks it up nicely.

There’s frustration creeping in for Pakistan, England bowling well here.

Pakistan 12/0 (2.0) - Azam 5 (6), Rizwan 4 (7)

08:10 , Jack Rathborn

Woakes in for England, Babar looking for the cover drive.

It’s then whipped to the leg side for a single.

Rizwan struggling to time it early, with the strike rotated for a couple more to the total.

Pakistan 8/0 (1.0)

08:03 , Jack Rathborn

Nice shape and swing from Stokes, but that’s a no ball to kick things off.

Free hit coming, Pakistan fans love that!

Another free hit coming, oh dear, Stokes shakes his head, Marais Erasmus signals once again.

Some venom there with the bounce, a dot ball. A good response.

Drama! England could have a runout, Jordan launches, Rizwan would be gone if it clatters the stumps, he’s well out, but Pakistan survive.

Azam with a nice cut and grabs three runs, 8/0 after one then.

Pakistan vs England: T20 World Cup Final

08:02 , Jack Rathborn

Here we go then, let the drama commence.

It’s Ben Stokes to Mohammad Rizwan...

Pakistan vs England: T20 World Cup Final

08:00 , Jack Rathborn

Pakistan vs England: T20 World Cup Final

07:54 , Jack Rathborn

Morgan: “It’s the most incredible feeling [to walk out in a World Cup final]. You just want the first ball to be bowled, the match to start and get down to business.

“England have the majority of family and friends here, it’s an incredible journey they’ve been to.”

England vs Pakistan: T20 World Cup Final Latest Odds

07:52 , Jack Rathborn

Match winner

• Pakistan: 13/8

• England 8/15

Most Runs

• Babar Azam 11/2

• Jos Buttler 11/2

• Mohammad Rizwan 11/2

• Alex Hales 13/2

• Phil Salt 9/1

• Mohammad Haris 10/1

• Ben Stokes 11/1

• Shan Masood 11/1

• Moeen Ali 12/1

• Iftikhar Ahmed 16/1

• Harry Brook 18/1

• Liam Livingstone 18/1

• Mohammad Nawaz 18/1

• Shadab Khan 18/1

Most Sixes

• Pakistan 11/8

• Tie: 13/2

• England 4/5

Most Fours

• Pakistan: 1/1

• Tie: 10/1

• England 1/1

England vs Pakistan: T20 World Cup Final

07:48 , Jack Rathborn

Babar and Rizwan vs Hales and Buttler, which opening partnership would you prefer?

Morgan is discussing the different styles here, with Pakistan more of a natural compliment with both players knowing their roles.

Whereas the England pair both attack and then whoever gets off first the other dovetails and compliments them with a more reserved role, spectating almost as their partner goes off.

England vs Pakistan: Both sides unchanged from semi-finals

07:43 , Jack Rathborn

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

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

England vs Pakistan: T20 World Cup Final

07:42 , Jack Rathborn

Pakistan captain Babar Azam: “We would have bowled first today. We want to put runs on the board now and put pressure on England.

“We have good momentum with us and we’ll try and continue that. We’ve come back strongly and we’ll try to continue in that vein.

“We’ve got confidence and the way they team are playing is outstanding.

“History is repeating itself and we’ll try win this match and hold the World Cup.”

Shadab Khan: It’s the best bowling against the best batting

07:40 , Jack Rathborn

Shadab Khan: “We play a lot of good cricket, the last over we didn’t finish it but we’ve done well as a team.

“It’s brilliant, they support us in tough times too. That’s important.

“Against Netherlands also, they’re supporting us, we get motivation as they’re behind us.

“They’re world beaters, they’re world champions, a world class team, world class players.

“We have momentum, it’ll be a good game.

“Definitely, the best bowling attack against the best batting line-up, they know it.”

England win toss and will bowl

07:38 , Jack Rathborn

England have won the toss and will have a bowl, a crucial factor in the game?

England’s T20 World Cup final to be shown on free-to-air TV

07:30 , Michael Jones

England’s T20 World Cup final against Pakistan on Sunday will be made available on free-to-air television in the UK.

Sky Sports is the UK’s exclusive television rights holder at the tournament but the satellite broadcaster has in recent years shared some major sporting events with terrestrial channels.

And they have done so again, striking a deal with Channel 4 to make Sunday’s match available to the nation.

England’s bid to lift the trophy for a second time will be shown live on Sky Showcase and on Channel 4, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket.

England’s T20 World Cup final to be shown on free-to-air TV

Babar Azam ‘very confident’ after powering Pakistan into World Cup final

07:22 , Michael Jones

Pakistan captain Babar Azam feels more assured in his batting and primed for the T20 World Cup final after returning to form in his side’s seven-wicket win over New Zealand.

Babar is widely regarded as one of the best red and white-ball batters in the world but averaged a meagre 7.8 during the Super 12s group stage of the tournament, amassing just 39 runs in 63 balls.

His lean trot might have continued when his outside edge was grazed from the first delivery he faced by New Zealand seamer Trent Boult but a diving Devon Conway grassed the opportunity.

Babar Azam ‘very confident’ after powering Pakistan into World Cup final

Eoin Morgan ‘really proud’ to see England flourishing under new leadership

07:15 , Michael Jones

Eoin Morgan expressed his pride at England continuing to flourish under a new leadership that maintains the same ideals he adopted when turning the side from also-rans to world champions.

Morgan had an unenjoyable start to his reign as white-ball captain when England crashed out of the group stage of the 2015 50-over World Cup, which was a watershed moment for their ODI and T20 fortunes.

A more expansive and attack-minded philosophy was ushered in by Morgan and success swiftly followed, culminating in their historic 2019 World Cup triumph, before he retired from England duty in June.

Jos Buttler has stepped up from his position as deputy under Morgan, working alongside new head coach Matthew Mott, and England have moved to within two wins of more silverware at the T20 World Cup.

Eoin Morgan ‘really proud’ to see England flourishing under new leadership

‘I’ve got to enjoy it’: Alex Hales plays down England redemption story

07:07 , Michael Jones

Alex Hales poured cold water on his England return as a story of redemption, insisting he is just happy to be back in the set-up after sending them into the T20 World Cup final.

Hales’ positive recreational drugs test on the eve of the 2019 50-over World Cup campaign was one misdemeanour too many and he spent the next three-and-a-half years in the international wilderness.

But Jason Roy’s alarming dip in form in the summer and Jonny Bairstow’s freak golfing injury offered Hales a lifeline and the opening batter has grasped the unexpected opportunity with both hands.

In England’s last two must-win group games against New Zealand and Sri Lanka, Hales played important roles but truly justified his recall in Thursday’s 10-wicket semi-final thrashing of India at Adelaide.

‘I’ve got to enjoy it’: Alex Hales plays down England redemption story

Mark Wood struggling to be fit for England

07:00 , Michael Jones

England fast bowler Mark Wood is struggling to be fit for today’s T20 World Cup final against Pakistan in Melbourne. The 32-year-old missed Thursday’s semi-final win over India with a right hip injury.

He has been the fastest bowler in the tournament and has taken nine wickets in four matches in the Super 12 stage and is a vital part of England’s attack.

“I tried my best to make the last game but I couldn’t bowl at the intensity and speeds required to play for England,” Wood said. “I couldn’t get my hip going. Hopefully if required I can try and get it right for this game - I don’t know if I’ll be able to.

“The team did really well last game - if the captain desperately needs me and I’m fit enough then I’ll put my name in the hat like everyone else.”

T20 World Cup organisers tweak final’s rules

06:53 , Michael Jones

The organisers of the Men’s T20 World Cup have changed the playing regulations for today’s final in Melbourne to allow more time in case of rain stoppages.

The tournament been blighted by the weather with rain affecting a bunch of fixtures during the Super 12 stage and bad weather is forecasted in Melbourne for the next two days.

England meet Pakistan at 08:00 GMT on Sunday and a reserve day is scheduled for Monday but, with more rain forecast, two hours have been added to allow play to continue late into Monday evening.

If a bare-minimum 10-over-per-side contest cannot be played on either of the days then England and Pakistan will be declared joint winners.

England thrash India to reach T20 World Cup final thanks to Alex Hales and Jos Buttler fireworks

06:45 , Michael Jones

England surged into the T20 World Cup final as Alex Hales and Jos Buttler made mincemeat of a potentially tricky chase of 169 to chasten India at Adelaide.

Hales pummelled the shorter square boundaries while Buttler was equally dismissive of India’s bowlers in a record-breaking unbroken stand of 170 as England claimed a scarcely credible 10-wicket win.

India were viewed as marginal favourites to set up a mouthwatering marquee match against Pakistan at the MCG on Sunday but Hales (86 not out off 47 balls) and Buttler (80no off 49 deliveries) disabused them of that notion in jaw-dropping fashion.

England thrash India to reach T20 World Cup final thanks to Hales and Buttler

Pakistan roar into T20 World Cup final with win over New Zealand

06:37 , Michael Jones

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan hit top form in a timely fashion to propel Pakistan into the T20 World Cup final as they overcame New Zealand by seven wickets at Sydney.

The opening pair are widely viewed as two of the best white-ball batters in the world and while they have both had quiet tournaments so far, they flourished when it mattered most against the Black Caps.

A bit of luck was involved as Babar was dropped off his first ball before going on to register 53 off 42 deliveries, taking the sting out of a chase of 153 alongside Rizwan in a 105-run first-wicket stand.

Pakistan roar into T20 World Cup final with win over New Zealand

Pakistan vs England

06:30 , Michael Jones

This is it. The T20 World Cup final. A game which will determine who lifts the trophy and goes down in cricketing history and who goes home deflated and defeated.

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the showpiece fixture of the T20 World Cup where England will take on Pakistan at the MCG.

Both teams have gone through difficult campaigns leading to this stage. Pakistan needed to win their final three Super 12 matches to have any hopes of qualifying for the final four and even then they required the help of the Netherlands - who defeated South Africa - to get them through. Babar Azam’s side improved massively in the semi-final and comfortably knocked out New Zealand have chased down a score of 153 with five balls remaining.

England were in a similar predicament. A rain-affected loss to Ireland put them on the back foot in the Super 12 groups and a washout against Australia meant the needed to defeat New Zealand and Sri Lanka to qualify. Thankfully Jos Buttler’s men rose to the challenge and snuck into the final four where they faced India.

What should have been a closely contested game turned into a one-sided affair as England battered India. They won by 10-wickets with exactly four overs to spare and in T20 cricket that is a spanking.

But who will win today? The fate of matches can flip in an over in T20 cricket and these two sides are well matched. England will be the favourites but on their day Pakistan are capable of beating anyone in the world. This one should be a corker.