Non-Asian teams in the big final in Dubai
The last two teams standing in the T20 World Cup final in UAE are two non-Asian teams, Australia and New Zealand. Neighbours and familiar opponents, the two sides were hardly favourites at the start of the tournament, but found their way to the final with crucial wins.
Australia will be banking on their pace attack and top-order. David Warner has been in great form while the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins have clicked on and off. New Zealand’s shallow batting line-up – shallower now with Devon Conway ruled out – gives Australia a good chance of restricting them to a low total. It gives them odds of 1.61 to win the final.
New Zealand have been superb with the ball all the tournament and will need to continue that into the final to test Australia. Their quicks striking early against Warner and Finch might be Blackcaps’ only chance. They have odds of 2.28 to win the title.
New Zealand have edge in recent record, but it’s misleading
When these sides met in a T20I series in 2021, New Zealand won 3-2 with a win in the series decider. However, it came against an Australian side that did not have many key players. In 2018, Australia won all three T20Is against New Zealand.
RECOMMENDED BET: Australia’s strong pace attack and their opponent’s vulnerable batting gives them good chances to win the final game. Back Australia at 1.61 to lift the title!
Overall, Australia have won nine matches and lost five in head-to-head T20I fixtures. In this tournament, Australia came out of a tough group to reach the semis and beat Pakistan, one of the teams of the tournament. The win over England in the semis should have boosted New Zealand’s confidence, but to do something like that again will take something special.
Keep an eye on…
David Warner: After a dismal IPL, David Warner hit top gear in UAE in the T20 World Cup and has been in really fine form this tournament. With Australia’s batting under scrutiny, he has stepped up to resolve a lot of their issues. Warner’s start will be crucial in the finals for Australia.
Kane Williamson: With Conway ruled out, New Zealand’s batting will heavily rely on Kane Williamson, whose own form has been patchy. If New Zealand are to put in a good batting show, Williamson will need to rally together a weak top-order.
TIP: Steve Smith has a knack of stepping up in big games. Support him at 5.50 to be Australia’s top batter!
