Who will come out triumphant in the Trans-Tasman rivalry?

Hyderabad: This edition of the T20 World Cup will have new winners. With two-time finalists Australia and first-time finalists New Zealand taking on each other, it will be a repeat of 2015 one-day World Cup final where Michael Clarke-led Australia defeated Brendon McCullum-led Kiwis for the trophy. The cricketing rivalry between these two neighbouring nations […]

Hyderabad: This edition of the T20 World Cup will have new winners. With two-time finalists Australia and first-time finalists New Zealand taking on each other, it will be a repeat of 2015 one-day World Cup final where Michael Clarke-led Australia defeated Brendon McCullum-led Kiwis for the trophy.

The cricketing rivalry between these two neighbouring nations dates back to 1878. However, their rivalry hit the nadir in 1981 with ‘the under-arm throw’ controversy. With New Zealand needing six runs to tie off the final ball, the then Australian captain Greg Cheppell told his brother Trevor to bowl an underarm to an ODI match.

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Though the stats are heavily stacked in favour of Australia, the Kane Williamson-led side can take heart from their victory over Aaron Finch-led team in the T20 World Cup where they met just once.

New Zealand, who are playing their third straight ICC final – 2019 WC final and World Test Championship final being other two – look to win the second ICC trophy in the same year, having won the ICC World Test Championship earlier in the year against India.

Australia

Strengths David Warner, who was struggling for form ahead of the tournament, turned out to be their trump card in the tournament. The pocket-size dynamo is the highest run-getter for Australia with 236 runs. He set up the chase in the semis against Pakistan with an attacking 49-run knock. His form at the top of the innings is crucial to set up a big target or chase down a big one.

Adam Zampa has been in super form in the tournament. With 12 wickets to his name from six matches, he is only second to the highest wicket-taker after Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga (12 from 8 matches). His economy rate is also below six, which is remarkable in this format.

Captain Aaron Finch is also in good touch and after his first-ball duck in the semis, he hopes to make amends in the final. Their trump card Glenn Maxwell failed to live up to his reputation but given quality, he is due for a big innings.

Weaknesses
Once a batting mainstay, Steve Smith has been struggling with form. His failure to contribute with the bat in the middle is putting pressure on the batting unit.

Though Australia have a fierce bowling unit in Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, all the three pacers are leaking runs heavily in the tournament. The trio’s death bowling turned into a major problem for skipper Finch.

New Zealand

Strengths
Daryl Mitchell’s semifinal heroics, combined with James Neesham’s blitzkrieg, added fire power to the batting order that has the likes of destructive batsman Martin Guptil. Guptill has a very good record against Australia and he is a big match player.

However, it is their bowling that has been delivering goods consistently. The pacers Tim Southee and Trent Boult have been super with the new ball. Boult picked up 11 wickets so far with an impressive economy of 6.53. Southee has an economy rate of 5.75, showing how crucial he is with the new ball.

Adding to that, Ish Sodhi, with 9 wickets in 6 matches, has been impressive in the tournament.

Weaknesses
New Zealand lost Devon Conway to injury ahead of the final while the inconsistent form of Williamson and Guptill can be their Achilles heel. Glenn Phillips and James Neesham, apart from semifinal knock, haven’t fired yet. The form of these players makes the middle order look fragile.

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