Kane Williamson’s New Zealand eyes a second global crown in a year when they take on Australia in the Twenty20 World Cup final with a new winner on Sunday. New Zealand and Australia renewed their Trans-Tasman rivalry in Dubai as both the teams look to clinch their maiden world title in the shortest format.
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It is a hat-trick of ICC finals for the once perennial underdog of world cricket after beating India to win the inaugural Test Championship in June.
They defeated favorites England in the semi-finals to avenge their 2019 loss in the 50-over World Cup final at Lord’s when they went down on a boundary count after the Super Over.
Head coach Gary Stead said the Black Caps are excited to take on the Australian challenge, which will be their first t20 world cup final appearance.
“It’s probably a final that I’m not sure a lot of people would have predicted a month or so ago Australia and New Zealand,” Stead said.
Read also: New Zealand The Side To Beat In The Final
The Kiwis have suffered a setback after wicketkeeper Devon Conway was dismissed for a punch to his bat when wicketkeeper Devon Conway was dismissed in the semi-finals.
Jimmy Neesham played a key role in the team’s semi-final win over England as he reversed the game with an 11-ball 27 and won with one over to spare.
“I am sure there will be a huge influx of emotions if we manage to cross the border,” he said.
Sunday’s clash will bring back memories of the 50-over final of 2015 when Australia beat New Zealand by seven wickets to win their fifth ODI World Cup.
Aaron Finch’s Aussies beat title contenders Pakistan by five wickets in the second semi-final.
“They have a group of people who are the real match winners,” Stead said.
Read also: Three memorable New Zealand vs Australia contests
“And we have to make sure that our plan, scouting out is on the right point and we have really clear plans for their players because they can like to open a game very early.”
Marcus Stoinis (40) and Matthew Wade (41) put on an unbeaten 82-run stand as Australia were in trouble at 96-5 while chasing 177 runs with one over to spare.
Wade smashed Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi for three straight sixes including two audacious scoop shots – the final one sailing over fine leg to silence the Pakistan crowd.
‘Piece to the Puzzle’
Stoinis said a T20 World Cup title would be “very bloody for us”.
“Obviously Test cricket and the Ashes, we grew up when we played. Then the change of T20 cricket. It’s no longer a hit and a laugh in terms of pressure,” Stoinis said.
“I don’t think many people apart from the players and the coaching staff gave us a chance to go ahead in this tournament. So it’s definitely going to be very bloody for us and we will be very proud when we bring that home to Australia.”
Coach Justin Langer said: “We’ve got such a rich history and it would be nice to add this piece to the puzzle.”
The key will be the form of opener David Warner who has conceded 236 runs in the tournament.
Langer lauded the Black Caps for their brand of cricket and said that the Australian team will have to do their best for the title first.
“The way New Zealand has done business over the past few years has been fantastic,” Langer said.
“They’re really a good bunch of blocks. They get to work and get it done. To beat New Zealand, we have to do our best throughout the tournament.”
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