Ben Stokes produced another match-winning performance on a big stage for England ©Getty Images

Ben Stokes was again at the heart of England's success as he guided an under-pressure batting unit over the line against Pakistan to win the T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

England are now the first men's team to hold both the T20 and 50-over World Cups, and this is a second 20-over world title.

England's star all-rounder hit a decisive 52 not out to overcome the ghosts of 2016, when he bowled a disastrous final over as England lost the T20 World Cup final to the West Indies.

Build-up to today's showdown had been plagued by daunting weather forecasts, but play got underway as planned and Pakistan were put in to bat first after losing the toss.

They could only muster a total of 137, with Shan Masood top-scoring on 38 off 28 and captain Babar Azam following with 32 off 28.

The innings no doubt belonged to the English bowlers as Sam Curran, later named player of the tournament, continued his fine form by taking three wickets for just 12 runs, including the opening dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan.

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid also produced one of his greatest displays in an England shirt, going for 22 runs and sending Mohammad Haris and captain Babar back to the dugout.

England are the first men's team to hold both the T20 and one-day world titles ©Getty Images
England are the first men's team to hold both the T20 and one-day world titles ©Getty Images

Shaheen Afridi woke the subdued Pakistan fans up by knocking over Alex Hales in England's first over and a fight back was on after Haris Rauf got England captain Jos Buttler.

Buttler's wicket, as ever, was crucial as he had already smashed 26 off 17.

With England reduced to 45 for 3, Stokes and Harry Brook steadied the ship.

The Pakistan crowd was up celebrating again when a sliding Afridi caught Brook off of Shadab Khan, but it came as a cost - Afridi injured himself and he could only deliver one more ball before limping off the field.

Part-time spinner Iftikhar Ahmed was asked to finish the over and Stokes sensed the moment, hitting his opponent for a four and a six to bring the match under control.

Moeen Ali also put his foot on the accelerator and whacked the next two balls, from Mohammad Wasim, each for four.

Shaheen Afridi's injury was a critical moment in the match ©Getty Images
Shaheen Afridi's injury was a critical moment in the match ©Getty Images

Ali fell for 19, yet the game was all but done as England required just seven runs, with Stokes on hand to score his first international T20 half-century and the hitting the winning run off the last ball of the 19th over.

"It has been an amazing night," Stokes said.

"The bowlers have to take credit for restricting them to 137.

"Sam Curran has done it all tournament and Adil Rashid has turned up at the back end of the tournament when it really matters.

"That was the best I've seen him bowl for England in a T20.

"I am very proud.

"You don't get to win World Cups too often so to win two of them is pretty special."