Ben Stokes is missing the ongoing T20 World Cup due to some mental health issues. However, that isn’t keeping him away from following the tournament. Just like every other cricket fanatic, Ben Stokes has been glued to his TV screen. He’s been watching the tournament keenly. At this point in time, he has even come out with his prediction regarding who will play the marquee event’s ultimate finale.
Ben Stokes picks his tournament finalists, snubs Team India-
October 29 saw Pakistan Cricket Team beat Afghanistan in some fashion. Remarkable fashion. Following this, England’s premier all-rounder took to Twitter and shared his prediction regarding the ongoing event’s finale. Both of his picks are unbeaten in the tournament, till date. “England vs Pakistan Final ???,” wrote Stokes, snubbing India and Australia while picking Babar Azam’s side ahead of them. Here is the tweet:
England vs Pakistan Final ???
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) October 29, 2021
Let’s be honest here, England’s fearless approach puts the on every person’s ‘tournament favourites’ list. They’ve played two matches thus far, dominating both of them. While England’s second win came against a ‘weaker’ team in Bangladesh, their first victory makes them a force to reckon. They bundled The Windies for just 55 runs and chased it with 70 deliveries to go.
England’s only real concern is Eoin Morgan’s poor form with the bat. However, the same can’t be said for his leadership. Captain Morgan’s bowling changes have been magnificent and his overall tactics spot-on. Mo Ali has responded very well to Morgan’s demand of being a powerplay bowler. He is ably supported by Chris Woakes and Tymal Mills, and the troika shares 11 wickets between them. Jason Roy has been at his belligerent best. Everyone else keeps chipping in with vital runs. There’s no weak point as such.
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On the other hand, Pakistan’s story is that of awe-worthy resurgence. Ever since Hayden has taken over as their head coach, Pakistan has been brilliant. They thumped India by 10 wickets and followed it up by comprehensive wins against NZ and Afghanistan. With three wins in three, they are comfortably topping Group 2. Babar and Rizwan seem invincible. Fakhar and Hafeez are struggling. However, the finishing duo of Shoaib Malik and Asif Ali more than makeup for it. Shaheen and Rauf are spearheading the bowling department very well, and the spinners are giving nothing away.
Stokes’ prediction certainly makes sense. But both the teams are yet to win a match batting first. New Zealand and Australia are quality teams, and hey, no one can underestimate Team India. Isn’t it? The two-paced pitches will assist them, and if Kohli-Rahul-Rohit fires in unison… God save the opposition.