After the final of the 2019 World Cup, England and New Zealand are all set to lock horns in another knockout clash in the T20 World Cup on Wednesday(at Bangladesh time 8pm) in Abu Dhabi.
Both England and New Zealand have won four matches each in the Super 12s stage of the World Cup. England, though, registered a better run rate— +2.46 than New Zealand’s +1.16.
However, this difference between the two team’s run rates might play a little role in the semifinal on Wednesday.
England have been the most dangerous white-ball cricket team over the last few years while New Zealand managed to book a place in three out of four major ICC tournaments in recent years.
This history should be enough to justify the fact that the matches between England and New Zealand are the biggest cricketing contests in the current age.
Ahead of another white-ball clash, New Zealand will surely be looking to beat England who won the last World Cup riding on the controversial boundary count law against the Blackcaps.
In contrast, England will be under pressure to keep its dominance over New Zealand intact.
England will miss the service of Jason Roy who sustained a blow in the Super 12s stage and was ruled out of the event. England recalled James Vince to replace him.
English allrounder Moeen Ali said that losing Roy is a massive blow for the World Champions. But he insisted that who got the chance to replace Roy also has the ability to shine.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead was asked if their memory of losing the final at Lord’s in 2019 will bear anything in the T20 World Cup final. He said that memory has nothing to do with this World Cup.
While Jos Buttler to the semifinal scoring 240 with a hundred, New Zealand were guided by Martin Guptill who posted 176 runs in five matches.
In the second semifinal, Pakistan will take on Australia on November 11 in Dubai. The final will take place on November 14.
Source: United News of Bangladesh