ICC T20 World Cup 2021 Final
T20 World Cup 2021 Final: Preview of Australia vs. New Zealand Match
The wait is finally over, two neighboring countries across the Tasman Sea, Australia and New Zealand will meet in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 championship match on Sunday (November 14) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Just like the semifinals, the final match will begin at 8 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). New Zealand will be aiming to avenge their 2015 ODI World Cup final loss to Australia. On the other side, Australia will be trying to win their first T20 World Cup. Let's take a look at Australia vs. New Zealand final preview.
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Australia vs. New Zealand: Important T20I Records
The last time these two teams met in New Zealand, Australia won the series (2-1). Overall, Australia have a better head-to-head record than New Zealand, and the odds are in their favor heading into the final. Here are some of their major T20I records against one other.
Key T20I Record between both sides
Australia
New Zealand
Matches Played (14)
9
5
Most Runs
Aaron Finch (251 runs in 7 innings)
Martin Guptill (435 runs in 12 innings)
Highest Score
Ricky Ponting (98*)
Brendon McCullum (116*)
Most Fifties
D’Arcy Short (2)
Martin Guptill (3)
Most Wickets
Ashton Agar (13)
IS Sodhi (16)
Best Bowling Figures
Ashton Agar (6/30)
IS Sodhi (4/28)
Most Matches
Martin Guptill (12)
Ashton Agar (9)
Highest Partnership
David Warner & D’Arcy Short (121)
Martin Guptill & Colin Munro (132)
Most Catches
Glen Maxwell (10)
Martin Guptill (10)
Most Dismissals
Adam Gilchrist (4)
Tim Seifert (5)
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Australia
The opening pair of Australia has been one of the best in the competition. Left-hand dashing batter David Warner is one of the tournament's leading run-scorers, while skipper Aaron Finch has done a good job for his team. This duo will be crucial once again in the championship match against New Zealand. Australia's middle-order hasn't been in particularly good form so far in the tournament. It was David Warner who set the tone in Australia's run chase in the semi-final encounter against Pakistan.
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In the middle order, Marsh, Smith, and Maxwell must find their best form in the crucial final. Otherwise, New Zealand will take the game away from them. Both Smith and Maxwell have strike rates less than 100 in the competition, which is surprising given their reputations. Stoinis and Wade delivered two crucial knocks in the semi-final that ensured Australia's victory. Finding form prior to the final will give both players a huge boost in confidence.
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa has been in outstanding form throughout the series, and he will be skipper Aaron Finch's main weapon in the final. Pat Cummins bowled well in the last game while Starc and Hazlewood both conceded a lot of runs against Pakistan. Australia's pacers must be more disciplined in order to overcome New Zealand, as the Kiwis are particularly good against fast bowlers.
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