Australia & New Zealand have been the underdogs at the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. The onus was completely on the likes of India, England, West Indies & Pakistan who failed on the given day. Australia got their star players back at the 11th hour; whereas New Zealand emphasized on the process by entrusting tyro players.
- Journey
Aussies & Kiwis journey throughout the tournament was very tough. Australia had placed in a precarious group which consisted of: South Africa, England, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka & West Indies. Each & Every game of Australia was a literally do-or-die. They vanquished all the teams except England who buried them alive. The victory against Pakistan in the Semi Final has raised a lot of eye-brows. Australia is finding match-winners at 11th hour too in the form of Matthew Wade & Marcus Stoinis.
New Zealand were placed in a comfortable group yet challenging. They faced Juvenile & Champion Teams. New Zealand’s opening defeat against Pakistan made their task a bit complicated. New Zealand virtually & literally ended hopes of a billion people by decimating India on 31st October. New Zealand played last 3 matches on alternate day (*3rd, 5th & 7th November) at 3 different venues: Dubai, Sharjah & Abu Dhabi. New Zealand overcame the heat & humidity & eventually at the end of the day they made it to the Semis. The mighty Kiwis Walloped England with an unknown duo of Daryl Mitchell & Devon Conway. New Zealand are proving to be the silent yet resounding Performers at the World Stage.
- History at T20I’s
Australia has the wood over New Zealand in T20I’s where they have won 9 matches out of 14. New Zealand have won 4 whereas 1 match was tied.
New Zealand’s last 3 wins against Australia have come in their home season of 2020-21. New Zealand had won the 5 T20I Match Series by 3-2 (February-March 2021). The likes of Steven Smith, David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Patrick Cummins & Josh Hazlewood were the notable absentees from that tour; all of these were expected to play a Test Series in South Africa (March) which Cricket Australia (CA) later cancelled citing Covid-19 Concerns at South Africa.
- Head-to-Head at ICC T20 World Cups
Aussies & Kiwis have clashed only once in ICC T20 World Cup. In T20 World Cup 2016 Australia & New Zealand were placed in a group along with Pakistan, Bangladesh & India.
The match was played at Dharamshala, India. It was a tight contest in which New Zealand scrapped out a victory by 8 runs. New Zealand’s team had set a target of 143 runs. In that T20 World Cup Australia made a type of blunder by making Warner a middle order batter. The wrecker-in chief for New Zealand was Ish Sodhi who took 4 wickets for 14 runs in his spell.
The Black Caps have got the majority of bowlers present from that victory: Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Michell Santner which is an alarming sign for the Courageous Aussies. The Aussies have got the core of batters which will make the final a spicy contest.
- Matchups
New Zealand have a huge concern as Devon Conway has injured his right hand by punching the bat in frustration after getting out against England. Conway’s absence has left a huge hole in the batting line-up as he has taken the team out of mud. Tim Seifert the swashbuckling wicket-keeper batter looks a likely replacement. The skipper Kane Williamson has not fired yet & most importantly New Zealand’s armor is their bowling not batting.
Australia won’t make any sort of changes unless there is an unexpected injury/tactic. ‘The Big Show’ Glenn Maxwell has had a dismal tournament so far as he has scored 36 runs only. Aaron Finch too has been quiet with the bat.
In 2010 England had dethroned Australia for T20 World Cup Triumph. There are only 2 Cricketers present from that match which are: Steven Smith & David Warner. Both of the Cricketers had seen the pain of losing the final.
- Pitch & Conditions
Toss has been a huge factor as teams winning the toss have won most Matches at Dubai. A score of 160-170 is par. Teams should aim to score at-least 180-200 runs as the scoreboard pressure keeps haunting the team batting second. New Zealand & Australia both chased down targets of 167 (*Abu Dhabi) & 177 runs with an over left.
- Toss Factor in ICC T20 World Cups Final
In 6 T20 World Cups a total of 5 teams (India 2007, England 2010, West Indies 2012, Sri Lanka 2014, West Indies 2016) won the World Cups by winning the toss. Only Sri Lanka failed to take advantage of winning the toss in 2009 T20 World Cup.
- Teams defending have won 2 times: India & West Indies (2012)
- Teams chasing have won 4 times: Pakistan (2009), England, Sri Lanka, West Indies
This is an indication that batting second is a favorable option. In case of Australia & New Zealand it won’t be applicable as both teams have got good bowling line up. We can be in for a 2007 or 2012 type of finale.
- Keys to Win T20 World Cup
- New Zealand have a slight advantage over Australia. Australia had succumbed to spin in their Semi Final where Shadab Khan had took 4 scalps. The nemesis of Ish Sodhi is due to haunt Australia as his 4 overs are invaluable. Ish Sodhi’s 4 overs would be decisive New Zealand would like to make a statement that they are no longer underdogs.
- Australians know how to win Championships except T20 World Cup. This is the golden chance for Australia to showcase that they still are the Reining Champions of World Cricket. Australia have only one spin bowler Adam Zampa & his role is pivotal. Glenn Maxwell has to be spot on his line & length as his 2 overs are also enough to change the momentum. 5th bowler (Mitchell Marsh & Glenn Maxwell) overs should be wrapped up as quickly possible as New Zealand would try to target it.
- Expected WINNER
Australia is the Favorite to win T20 World Cup because they have developed a fear factor amongst opponents like of 90s & 2000s.
New Zealand would believe that they will sneak out a victory but the wealth of experience of Aussies will undo them.
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