T20 WC 2021, Final: NZ vs AUS Preview – Trans-Tasman rivals fight for supremacy

After two thrilling semi-finals, New Zealand and Australia will now face each other in the finale of the T20 World Cup 2021. New Zealand defeated England in Abu Dhabi while Australia defeated Pakistan to set up this trans-Tasman final adding another chapter to the very interesting history of rivalry between these two nations.

Ironically, Australia’s only defeat in the tournament had come against England, who were knocked out by the Kiwis. On the other hand, New Zealand’s only defeat came against Pakistan, who were eventually defeated by the Aussies. These two teams had faced each other in the warm-up matches as well, with Aussies having the honours back then. But, one can expect a much more fierce rivalry in the finale.

Match Info

New Zealand vs Australia, Final

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Date and time: November 8, 7:30 PM IST

Head to head:

Trivia:

• The two teams had played the first-ever T20I back in 2005, which was won by Australia in Auckland.
• The only World Cup match in this format was played in 2016 which was won by New Zealand by a narrow margin.
• The two teams battled in a five-match series in New Zealand earlier this year, which was won by the hosts 3-2.

Team News:

New Zealand: The Kiwis faced a major blow as Devon Conway’s hand injury has now ruled him out of the tournament final. He is likely to be replaced by Tim Seifert, who will straight up take the gloves as well. Glenn Phillips is likely to be pushed up the order. There will be an issue of having too many right-handed batters as well, which potentially opens up chances for Mark Chapman as well, but that is unlikely to happen. The rest of the XI will remain the same.

Australia: Unlike the Kiwis, the Aussies would be coming into the final with all their players fit and ready. They haven’t changed their combination so far and there seems to be no reason why they would make changes at this stage in the tournament. They will remain unchanged.

Probable XI