Australia and New Zealand eye maiden T20 WC title

Mohammad Abdullah, Senior Sports Reporter

Australia and New Zealand both will fancy their chances of laying their hands on the maiden T20 World Cup trophy with a victory in the final on Sunday.

The world is set to see a new champion irrespective of the fact who wins as both the teams had never had an opportunity to lift the prestigious trophy in the shortest format of the game.

Australia, who have won a record five 50-over World Cup titles – three in a row – will look to adorn their trophy-laden cabinet with the elusive silverware. They came closest to winning the crown in 2010 only to be denied by England in the final.

They have got the second chance to realise their dream after a long wait of 11 years. The match is also being billed as the re-match of the 2015 World Cup final, which Australia won easily to deny New Zealand their first title.

Both the teams are coming into the match on the back of nervy wins in the semi-finals. New Zealand held their nerve to oust England while Australia came from behind to beat Pakistan in a thrilling finish.

James Neesham played an 11-ball 27-run cameo along with Daryl Mitchell as New Zealand scored a quick-fire 52 in the last four overs to pull off an improbable victory against England.

Australia needed 20 off 12 balls, Mathew Wade hit three consecutive sixes off Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi to take them home with an over to spare.

Australian captain Aaron Finch said he is relishing the prospect of playing against New Zealand.

“It’s exciting to be playing against New Zealand. They are a strong team and led by a super captain Kane Williamson. It is one of those occasions, when we have come in each other’s path in the tournament,” said Finch.

“I think both teams have got a great history in cricket, not just cricket, but as neighbours also Down Under. It’s a great relationship. We play a lot of times with each other and every time it turns out to be a tough battle regardless of the format,” he added.

He also lauded his bowlers for carrying out their job with utmost care and precision. He was all praise for Pat Cummins.

“I think Pat has been fantastic right through the tournament. He’s bowled some really crucial overs in the power-play and through the middle. He bowled an excellent 19th over against Pakistan, giving just three runs. It was really an impressive bowling.

“Our whole bowling unit has been really impressive all the way through. I think the way that Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh have contributed with Marcus Stoinis is commendable. The way they have shared the responsibilities of the fifth bowler is fantastic,” he stressed.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson said they are upbeat ahead of the final despite an injury blow to Devon Conway. Tim Seifert is likely to keep the wickets in the final. “We are a perfect blend of youth and experience. Some of these younger players are really exciting talents,” said Williamson. Williamson rued losing Conway in the crunch game. The wicket-keeper broke his hand after punching his bat in an angry outburst after his dismissal in the semi-final against England.

“It is a big blow to lose Devon in such a crucial game. He has been an indispensable part of us across all the formats. It’s really disappointing.

“But for us, it’s important to keep our eyes on the goal and all the players are really excited with the opportunity. They are looking forward to go out, and try to adjust to what will be a new challenge with a different opposition and a different venue,” he added.

New Zealand will play their first final while for Australia it will be the second instance in the format. “It would be some achievement,” said Williamson on the prospect of winning two ICC titles in the same year after guiding his team to Test Championship victory.

“But right now we want to focus on the next game. We will look to execute our plans. I suppose the fact that we are neighbours creates a bit of that, in a number of different sports as well,” Williamson said of the rivalry.

New Zealand’s main strength is their bowling with the likes of Tim Southee and Trent Boult in the pace department and Ish Sodhi, who broke India’s batting backbone, leading the spin charge.