THE KEY PLAYERS

PAKISTAN BABAR AZAM

(right)

The best batsman in the side has finally started firing, filling the rest of the team with confidence. Very empathetic and encouraging captain to whom his team respond. MOHAMMAD HARIS

Has been a revelation for Pakistan in this tournament with the openers struggling to begin with. Has the all-round game to score in any conditions rain or shine.

SHAHEEN SHAH AFRIDI

Arguably the best T20 bowler in the world right now. Pace, swing, accuracy and a left-arm angle make him so hard to get on top of. England will gamble if taking him on.

ENGLAND ALEX HALES

Has hit top form at the perfect time and is full of confidence. His long levers give him the power to clear even the biggest boundary at the MCG and he takes the pressure off Jos Buttler.

BEN STOKES

With no Dawid Malan, Stokes fills the position as the glue around whom everyone else can fire. He has plenty of power himself but thrives on the responsibility of getting the job done.

SAM CURRAN (left)

Will benefit from the big square boundaries with his box of tricks with the ball. England need one last big effort from him to keep the Pakistan batters quiet at the death.