The wait is finally over, two neighboring countries across the Tasman Sea, Australia and New Zealand will meet in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 championship match on Sunday (November 14) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Just like the semifinals, the final match will begin at 8 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). New Zealand will be aiming to avenge their 2015 ODI World Cup final loss to Australia. On the other side, Australia will be trying to win their first T20 World Cup. Let’s take a look at Australia vs. New Zealand final preview.
Australia vs. New Zealand: Important T20I Records
The last time these two teams met in New Zealand, Australia won the series (2-1). Overall, Australia have a better head-to-head record than New Zealand, and the odds are in their favor heading into the final. Here are some of their major T20I records against one other.
Key T20I Record between both sides
Australia New Zealand
Matches Played (14) 9 5
Most Runs Aaron Finch (251 runs in 7 innings) Martin Guptill (435 runs in 12 innings)
Highest Score Ricky Ponting (98*) Brendon McCullum (116*)
Most Fifties D’Arcy Short (2) Martin Guptill (3)
Most Wickets Ashton Agar (13) IS Sodhi (16)
Best Bowling Figures Ashton Agar (6/30) IS Sodhi (4/28)
Most Matches Martin Guptill (12) Ashton Agar (9)
Highest Partnership David Warner and D’Arcy Short (121) Martin Guptill and Colin Munro (132)
Most Catches Glen Maxwell (10) Martin Guptill (10)
Most Dismissals Adam Gilchrist (4) Tim Seifert (5)
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Australia
The opening pair of Australia has been one of the best in the competition. Left-hand dashing batter David Warner is one of the tournament’s leading run-scorers, while skipper Aaron Finch has done a good job for his team. This duo will be crucial once again in the championship match against New Zealand. Australia’s middle-order hasn’t been in particularly good form so far in the tournament. It was David Warner who set the tone in Australia’s run chase in the semi-final encounter against Pakistan.
In the middle order, Marsh, Smith, and Maxwell must find their best form in the crucial final. Otherwise, New Zealand will take the game away from them. Both Smith and Maxwell have strike rates less than 100 in the competition, which is surprising given their reputations. Stoinis and Wade delivered two crucial knocks in the semi-final that ensured Australia’s victory. Finding form prior to the final will give both players a huge boost in confidence.
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa has been in outstanding form throughout the series, and he will be skipper Aaron Finch’s main weapon in the final. Pat Cummins bowled well in the last game while Starc and Hazlewood both conceded a lot of runs against Pakistan. Australia’s pacers must be more disciplined in order to overcome New Zealand, as the Kiwis are particularly good against fast bowlers.
New Zealand vs Australia
New Zealand vs Australia
Australia have been the most dominant team in the previous four decades, and they will surely start as a slight favourite against New Zealand in this final.
Probable Playing XI
Top Order: David Warner, Aaron Finch (captain), Mitchell Marsh; Middle-Orders: Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wicket-keeper); Lower-Order: Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
New Zealand
Opener Daryl Mitchell scored a match-winning 72 runs in the previous match, while James Neesham’s quick-fire knock made the task easy for New Zealand. So, along with skipper Kane Williamson, these two players will be vital for the Blackcaps. Meanwhile, regular wicket-keeper Devon Conway will be out for the final due to an injury. Experienced wicketkeeper Tim Seifert is expected to take his position in the playing XI.
Trent Boult and Tim Southee are one of the tournament’s most successful pace bowling duos. They know what it takes to succeed in the power play. The New Zealand captain Williamson will be aiming for at least a couple of wickets in the first six overs to put pressure on Australia’s middle order. In-form spinner Ish Sodhi may unsettle the Australian middle-order if the front-line bowlers can give the Kiwis early breakthroughs.
The New Zealand team follows a well-planned strategy. If they execute their tactic well in the championship match the Blackcaps have a good chance of winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
Probable Playing XI
Top-Order: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (captain), Middle-Orders: Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Lower-Order: Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult
Verdict
Two of the favorites in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final line-ups, England and Pakistan astonished everyone by losing their respective matches against New Zealand and Australia. Both Oceania teams were chased down in the semifinals and showed their real strength in the death overs. This shows that they have a solid balance in the middle order and can fire up when required. Besides, both the Australian and New Zealand teams are very familiar with each other’s shortcomings and capabilities. In that perspective, this match will be an exciting affair, with a deserving side taking home the seventh Twenty20 World Cup trophy.
Source: United News of Bangladesh