‘Pakistan have got brilliant match-winners’ - Joe Root cautions England ahead of T20 World Cup 2022 final

England are set to lock horns with Pakistan in the summit clash of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Former England Test captain Joe Root lavished praise on the Men in Green and the performances displayed by the side in their recent outings.

Pakistan comprehensively defeated New Zealand by seven wickets, thanks to Babar Azam’s and Mohmmad Rizwan’s majestic innings that propelled the side to making it to the finals.

“They have got some brilliant match-winners within their team; some brilliant bowling outfit, and some very talented batters. Lot spoken about the two lads at the top [Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan], and how consistent they have been in this format for an extended period. There are some wonderful players in there, so you know they are a very dangerous team, and you got to make sure that you are right on top of your game when it comes to the big final,” said Root while speaking to Sky Sports.

On the other hand, England too displayed sheer dominance in their match against team India as the duo openers of Jos Buttler and Alex Hales relished a 170-run stand and comfortably chased down the total. Following their qualification to the finals, Root further stated that the side peaked at the right moment.

"Incredible performance. They [England] peaked at the right time. I think you have seen the best of the team until now. What a performance from the two up the order [Jos Buttler and Alex Hales] and great work from the bowlers to restrict India to the target [169]. As a team performance, you can't ask for any more in a semi-final to stand up to the pressures of it in a game of that magnitude and perform like that is exceptional,” he concluded.

Both England and Pakistan will look to fire on all cylinders and clinch their second T20 World Cup title on Sunday at the MCG in a mouth-watering encounter.