Kevin Pietersen has claimed Pakistan will be "petrified" of England ahead of a mouthwatering T20 World Cup final clash, following a "ruthless" ten wicket win over India in the semi-finals.
Pakistan booked their place in the final on Wednesday with an impressive victory over New Zealand, before England thrashed India the following day thanks to a masterclass from openers Jos Buttler and Alex Hales.
And Pietersen, who was named player of the tournament when England lifted the trophy back in 2010, was full of praise for England's performance. He tweeted: "Ruthless from England!
"An exquisite semi final performance against a fabulous Indian team! Pakistan will be petrified cos this England team is flying."
Pietersen's former teammate Ravi Bopara, who was also part of England's 2010 World Cup winning squad, echoed his thoughts. "England were fantastic," he said on commentary for BBC Test Match Special.
"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."
And captain Buttler is already looking forward to the final, stating: "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."
