NZ vs AUS ICC T20 Final: In the T20 World Cup Final, it is another chapter of the Trans-Tasman rivalry as Australia face New Zealand. So who has the upper hand in this big game? Read on!
It is the Trans-Tasman rivalry which will grace us in the final of the T20 World Cup 2021. Finch’s Australia face Williamson’s New Zealand in the title clash!
So who has the upper hand going into the game? Let’s find out:
Head-to-Head
The two neighbours have faced each other 14 times in T20 internationals. The Aussies dominate this head-to-head, as they have won 9 times, while the Kiwis winning on 5 other occasions.
The BlackCaps will be wary of this record when they take the field in Dubai on Sunday.
Australia – SWOT Analysis
Strengths
David Warner is back in form and batting at his very best again. In addition, Glenn Maxwell provides a much-needed impetus in the middle overs. To end it in the slog overs, they have the finishing prowess of Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade.
Weaknesses
Bowling is not up to the mark. The famed trio of Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins have fallen flat on big occasions. Adam Zampa has been the only shining light in the bowling scheme of things.
Opportunities
Big opportunity for the Aussies to win their maiden T20 World Cup. If they do so, they will become only the 2nd team after India to have won the 60-over, the 50-over and the 20-over World Cups.
Threats
A Kiwi unit which is totally determined to win. New Zealand up their game several notches in ICC tournaments, and this time has been no exception! The Aussies will need to bring their A-game (and then some!) if they want to get past this resolute Kiwi side.
New Zealand – SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Bowling. They have Trent Boult taking wickets both upfront and at the death. Then they have the stranglehold of Mitch Santner and Ish Sodhi in the middle overs. If they win the toss and bowl first, their bowlers will be more than a handful for the Aussie batters!
Weaknesses
Devon Conway’s freak injury makes that middle order look a slight brittle. There is no one to play the sheet anchor role like Conway did in the semifinal, should Kane Williamson get out early.
Opportunities
Just like their opponents, this will also be their first T20 World Cup if they win it. This is also their first time in the final. If they do win, they will simultaneously hold the World Test and T20 trophies!
Threats
A resurgent Australian side, whom nobody gave a chance to make it this far. However, now that they have, they would love to ride the wave of momentum that they got by knocking out the undefeated Pakistan side.
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Conclusion
On paper and based on current form, it is very hard to pick who has the upper hand. However, as a unit, this Kiwi squad has been on a roll in all 3 formats in the last couple of years! So they are ahead, but only ever so slightly.
