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Before the start of the T20 World Cup 2021, cricket pundits would have not imagined that the final will be a trans-Tasman affair. Just before the mega event, their preparations looked everything but promising as they were beaten by Bangladesh in home series. The Kiwi and Aussie batters struggled terribly on Bangladesh pitches as they Australia and New Zealand were bundled out for 62 and 60 respectively on Dhaka pitches.
Both teams turned it around in the mega event. They did not turn out to be table toppers of their respective groups and had to wait till their last Super 12 game to qualify for the last four. But, they reached the final in Dubai by beating the table toppers Pakistan and England who many thought including former cricketers, will fight for the title.
Irrespective of the result of the final, one thing is clear that we will get a new T20 World Cup winner. While this is Australia’s second final, New Zealand have made it this far for the first time. Here’s a look at all the factors that will make an impact in the ultimate battle.
Win the toss and…
For most captains, it has been a no-brainer answer at the toss when it went in their favour. With dew factor coming in, captains have opted to field first. Even the ones that did not make it past the Super 12 stage felt that had they won the toss, the result will be different. However, Australian skipper Aaron Finch believes that he would not mind batting first in Dubai despite the 11:1 ratio going in the favour of team chasing. Finch even went on to say that he was hoping he lost the toss against Pakistan in the semi-final and attempted to post a big total.
Sodhi vs Aussies
Ish Sodhi is not New Zealand’s highest wicket-taker in the tournament but certainly the most impactful one. Sodhi has nine wickets from six games with an economy rate just above seven runs per over and an average of 17.11. Earlier this year Sodhi was all over Australian batters taking 13 wickets in five-T20I series including a four-wicket haul. Williamson can use him in the powerplay overs as well against in-form opener Warner who has been dismissed by Sodhi twice in three matches. Finch, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis have struggled against him as well. However, Glenn Maxwell has been the most successful in scoring runs against Sodhi despite losing his wicket twice to the Ludhiana-born leggie.
Their T20 World Cup story so far…
The two teams have gone up against each other only once in T20 World Cup history. In the 2016 edition, New Zealand got the better of Australia in the group stage. Australia failed to chase down a total of 143. Sodhi was the most economical bowler conceding just 14 runs in four overs and taking the wicket of Maxwell. On Dharamsala wicket, the Kiwi opener Martin Guptill turned out to be the top-scorer of the match with 27-ball 39.
Conway out, Seifert in
Just when Devon Conway regained his form, he injured himself in disappointment of getting out against England in the semi-final. The hand injury ruled him out of the final and the T20I series in India. The left-handed batter scored 46 against England helping Kiwis get back in the match and remained unbeaten on 36 against Afghanistan in the must-win clash. He will be replaced by Tim Seifert, who played just one match at the Super 12 stage against Pakistan.
Finch’s form
The Australian skipper’s form has been a major concern for the Australian side. In the previous two games he has registered scores of 9 and 0 against West Indies and Pakistan respectively. The opener is due for a big innings. He got out to an in-swinging delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi in the semi-final. He will face another left-arm pacer in the final as Trent Boult will bowl with the new ball.
Beware of Zampa
Kiwi batters need to beware of Adam Zampa who is the highest wicket-taker of the tournament (excluding preliminary rounds). In six matches Zampa has taken 12 wickets and an economy rate below six runs per over. Like Sodhi is expected to be lethal against Australian batters, Zampa can play the same role for his side.
