14 November,2021 08:08 AM IST | Dubai | Santosh Suri
Australia’s Steven Smith (left) and Matthew Wade during a practice session on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images
The Trans-Tasman rivalry between Australia and New Zealand is not as bitter as India-Pakistan's. It's not even as fierce as the Ashes, but they will be at each other's throats when they clash in the final here today in a bid to lay their hands on the T20 World Cup for the first time.
Australia have been the 50-overs World Cup champions a record five times, but surprisingly the T20 trophy is missing from their cupboard and they realise this is their best chance to put the record straight.
New Zealand were in the past considered the perennial underachievers, but have opened a new chapter under skipper Kane Williamson, and in the last couple of years they have been among the top teams in all three formats. In three successive ICC events they have made it to the finals, losing the 2019 World Cup to England by the skin of their teeth and then defeated India to clinch the Test Championship in June. Now they have a chance to enhance their reputation by claiming the T20 World Cup.
One can say that both the teams are evenly matched, judging from the identical come-from-behind victories in the semi-finals against fancied opponents. Both had won the toss in the semi-finals and despite the pressures of chasing in a knockout game, took the plunge and emerged successful.
Thus, more than anything else, it will be the toss that will be the focus of attention. Of course, winning the toss gives an added advantage, but by no means guarantees the trophy. For that, the side has to perform at its optimum. Australia captain Aaron Finch discounted that winning the toss will ensure a victory. "I think when it [the toss] comes to finals it doesn't make too much of a difference, to be honest. I believe getting runs on the board, especially in a final, can be really beneficial. We've talked about it. We're confident that we can win if we happen to bat first or second," said Finch.
Going into the final, it's almost impossible to separate the two teams as both bat deep, have powerful hitters down the order, a well-rounded bowling attack and have lost just one game. Over that, their identical five-wicket wins with one over to spare in the semi-finals, just puts them on even keel.
Finch feels that the Aussies have hit top gear at the right time and are confident going into the crunch game: "We feel as though we've got a lot of bases covered with the bat.
We've got guys that can go big, we've got guys with power, we've got great spin options, all-round pace options.
I love the makeup of the squad. It just comes down to the day, doesn't it, and that's what you're judged on at the end of the day."
Despite the absence of injured wicketkeeper-batsman Devon Conway, who will be replaced by regular wicketkeeper Tim Seifert, Williamson is also confident that the players will go out and express themselves without getting overwhelmed by the big, deciding game.
"It's great to be here in the final. For us, it's about going out and playing our game, expressing ourselves and committing to those little things that give us the best chance. And as Australia are a very strong side and have been playing really well, it should be a really good game of cricket."
Indeed, the fans all over the world will be looking forward to a great game of cricket for one final time in this World Cup, in which a few top teams were brushed aside despite being rated among the front runners.
14
No. of times Australia and NZ have played against each other in T20Is. Australia have won nine, while the Kiwis emerged victorious five times
Two
No. of times Australia and NZ have clashed against each other in an ICC final. The Aussies won both occasions
1981
The last time NZ beat Australia in a knockout game of a tournament. Both teams have met 16 times in knockouts since then
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