New Zealand have built an impressive campaign backed by a strong, varied bowling attack; Australia, yet to find their best, have the weapons to win the big moments
Not many would have predicted 28 days and 44 matches earlier that the Trans-Tasman rivalry would set the Ring of Fire on fire for the final time to crown a new T20 World Champion.
New Zealand have built such a strong campaign that you would think they are the favorites in Sunday’s title match. But Australia has earned a reputation over the years for knowing how to conquer the big moments. When it enters the knockout stage of a competition, you take it seriously.
At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the chasing teams have scored more victories than those batting first. Earlier in the tournament, dew had played an important role. Although, as the weather has changed, the dew is decreasing, but somehow this trend remains.
Two semi-finals are matters in point. Despite chasing a tight target, New Zealand and Australia got one over remaining against a quality bowling attack.
It could be argued that England did not have enough specialist death-bowling options and Shaheen Shah Afridi, lethal with the swinging white ball, is a bit of a novice at death, but this neglects the quality of batting that the teams found. across the line.
Daryl Mitchell, being used as an opener in this tournament, looked like he could not take the ball at the start of his innings or into the gap, but he backed himself up, deepening the game. And then lead his team to victory. great excellence.
Matthew Wade was the most unexpected hero for Australia. Before he could even say anything, Aaron Finch was nailed to the front, and David Warner, the powerhouse of the innings, went in to nab the ball – before he could seal the deal. Wade, who was considered a specialist who could make the most of the powerplay overs, was now in an unfamiliar role, striving to be a finisher. And when called to rescue him, he stood tall.
For New Zealand, the strength should be the diversity and effectiveness of their bowling line-up. Trent Boult bowls a left arm seam with early swing, Tim Southee is the cutter specialist, Adam Milne brings the pace and fire, Mitchell Santner bowls a slow left arm and Ish Sodhi’s leg break is the real wicket-taking option .
On top of that, James Neesham can bowl a hard length, hitting the ball into the pitch, giving Kane Williamson the luxury of using his bowlers however he chooses.
Australia appears to be a top-heavy batting line-up, with Finch and Warner being the building blocks. Glenn Maxwell is yet to play the kind of innings that has become his signature. Adam Zampa gives Finch control, but Mitchell Starc has yet to produce one of the outbursts he is known for.
Australia has reached the final despite not playing its best cricket. If the moving parts come in the right places and come together in the final, it could be great for New Zealand.
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