Pakistan will be 'petrified' of England in T20 World Cup final: Pietersen

KARACHI: Former England batter Kevin Pietersen has said that Pakistan will be "petrified" of England after the Poms thrashed India in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022 at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

Pakistan, on Wednesday, beat New Zealand by seven wickets after a sensational batting and bowling performance at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Meanwhile, the Men in Blue were hammered by England after a destructive batting performance by Jos Buttler and Alex Hales. The batters showed positive intent and attacked from the very first delivery, amassing 80 and 86 runs, respectively.

After the his team's comprehensive win, Pietersen heaped massive praise on England's performance and stated that the green shirts will be terrified.

"An exquisite semi-final performance against a fabulous Indian team! Pakistan will be petrified cos this England team is flying."

The batter's former teammate Ravi Bopara agreed with him.

"England were fantastic. They are setting the bar and the trend for T20 cricket. They come out and play their shots, not just in international cricket but in domestic cricket too.

"They are trying to get 60-70 off the first six overs, not just 45. It would be worrying for the Pakistan bowlers to see that England performance today but they will back themselves," he said on commentary for BBC Test Match Special.

Moreover, skipper Jos Buttler, who was ruthless against the Indian bowlers said he is already looking forward to the mega final.

"The Ireland game certainly does feel a long time ago! But the character we have shown as a group since then, in a huge game against New Zealand, and then tonight to put in our best performance.

"It's important for us to enjoy this and this performance so we will reflect on that and enjoy it, but there is one last dance to go," he said.

Pakistan will square off with England in the grand finale of the T20 World Cup 2022 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, November 13.