England beat Pakistan by five wickets to win T20 World Cup

England chases down 137 with five wickets in hand winning their second T20 World Cup.

England have beaten Pakistan by five wickets to win the T20 World Cup.

Needing 138 to win the title for a second time, England wobbled in the chase due to some hostile fast-bowling by Pakistan but Ben Stokes hit a half-century to take England home on Sunday in Melbourne.

Thirty years after losing the 50-over World Cup final to Pakistan at the MCG, England turned the tables on the South Asians with brilliant death bowling and Stokes’ heroics.

With all-rounder Sam Curran recording a miserly 3-12, Pakistan collapsed in the final overs to finish on 137 for eight after being sent in to bat by England captain Jos Buttler.

A Ben Stokes special at the MCG! 😍

England take a special title home 🏆#PAKvENG | #T20WorldCupFinal | 📝 https://t.co/HdpneOrKoo pic.twitter.com/BOIrCSwlyn

— ICC (@ICC) November 13, 2022

The heavy rain forecast never hit the MCG as England, led by the unflappable Stokes, reeled in the total with six balls to spare.

Curran was announced both man of the match and player of the tournament.

Sealing their second T20 World Cup, England are now the first nation to hold both global white-ball trophies, having won the 50-over World Cup on home soil in 2019.

England’s disciplined bowling

With forecast rain staying away, England produced disciplined and economical bowling to stymie 2009 champions Pakistan, with Shan Masood’s 38 the top score.

Stokes was given the new ball after England won the toss and choise to field with Pakistan lucky to survive the over intact as opener Rizwan was almost run out going for a risky single.

Rizwan and Captain Babar Azam shared a century partnership in their semi-final against New Zealand, but another big stand wasn’t to be, with Rizwan dragging a delivery from Curran on to his stumps on 15.

The introduction of Rashid soon after the six-over powerplay reaped an immediate reward with Mohammad Haris (8) attacking him on his first ball only to sky a simple catch to Stokes.

Masood began swinging the bat in the second half of the innings, hitting a four and six off Liam Livingstone.

But once again Rashid got the breakthrough, pulling off a diving catch from his own bowling to claim the vital wicket of Azam, whose 32 came off 28 balls.

Ahmed only lasted six balls before Masood and Shadab Khan (20) fell in the space of two runs as Curran and Chris Jordan kept the lid on any hope Pakistan had of a late flurry.