Rain is forecast for Melbourne on Sunday and Monday, threatening both the day of the T20 World Cup final and the reserve day. A shortened match is possible between England and Pakistan to decide who lifts the trophy.
Mark Wood and Dawid Malan are major doubts for England after the pair sat out the semi-final demolition of India.
Both teams are two-time finalists and one-time winners in this competition, with Pakistan defeating Sri Lanka in the 2009 final and England getting the better of Australia a year later.
Top Batsman: Alex Hales
With scores of 52, 47 and 86 not out in England’s last three matches, Alex Hales has delivered when his side needed him most.
Forming an effective opening partnership with Jos Buttler, Hales has got off to a flyer, taking full advantage of the powerplay and extending his innings into the middle overs.
Pakistan have pace bowlers who could dislodge Hales early on, but if he survives the onslaught, he has proven he can put up a match-defining score.
In destructive form, and with a stellar record in Australia, Hales is good value at 4/1 to be the final’s top batsman.
Team To Hit Most Sixes: England
Led by Hales, who is tied for second with 10 sixes in the tournament, England have exhibited their explosive power over the last few weeks.
Where Pakistan’s batting is their weak suit, England are loaded all the way down the order and will swing hard from the first ball to the last.
Pakistan have hit four sixes in their last two matches. Hales had seven on his own against India. Even at a short price, this is a good wager.
England First Wicket Runs: Over 24.5
Babar Azam and Mohamed Rizwan found some form with a rapid start against New Zealand in the last four, but it is impossible to go against Buttler and Hales at the moment.
England’s openers decimated India a matter of days ago, and could easily pass this line in a couple of overs.
The opening bowlers of Pakistan are a threat here, and the game could be shortened which might play a role, but at 9/10, England are still a solid wager here.
All odds are subject to change