Pakistan, England Clash in Final Amid Wet Weather Forecast Today
Sports Desk
MELBOURNE: Wet weather is forecast for Sunday’s T20 World Cup final between Pakistan and England in Melbourne.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground will host the deciding game today to determine who joins the West Indies as the only two-time winners since the T20 World Cup’s inception in 2007. So instead of two, there are three contenders for the cup; Pakistan, England and rain. Fortunately there is a backup date available should the match not go ahead, with Monday representing a reserve day.
Unfortunately Monday’s weather forecast is not flash either, with a 95 per cent chance of rain and 5-10mm expected. Given the impending wet weather, which has already seen multiple matches abandoned in Melbourne, including the crunch Group 1 match between England and Australia, ICC tournament organisers are so intent on a result that they bend the rules to extend the allocated time to complete the match.
A minimum of 10 overs a side is needed to complete a final. Marvel Stadium, which has a roof and is within walking distance of the MCG, could not be considered for logistic reasons. While Sunday’s match is due to start at 7pm AEDT, Monday’s reserve day would get underway at 3pm.
As far as T20 World Cup is concerned, Pakistan tasted victory in 2009 when they beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the final, while England won it a year later with a seven-wicket win over Australia. Pakistan have roared back from losing their first two matches of the tournament to India and Zimbabwe.
The journey for both England and Pakistan in the mega event was a bit rough because they both made it to the final after losing against much weaker opponents – Ireland and Zimbabwe respectively. Both sides have already been crowned champions once, so this is another chance for each to upgrade their trophy counter. Both teams have only once met in the final of a World Cup which was three decades back in 1992 50-over championship final, which Pakistan won.
There have been 28 T20Is between both teams. England has triumphed in 18 of the matches, while Pakistan has won just nine times. In one game, there was no winner.
