Trans-Tasman rivals Australia and New Zealand will clash in the final of the T20 World Cup on Sunday. Neither side has won the trophy before. Ahead of the tournament, neither was considered favourites for a berth in the semi-final, let alone the final.
And yet, between them, they beat every former champion – India, Pakistan, England, West Indies, Sri Lanka – en route to the final. One of them will become the sixth nation to win the title.
New Zealand will be keen to avoid another slip-up in a limited-overs ICC tournament final. With Devon Conway not available due to a broken hand, Tim Seifert will take the wicketkeeping gloves. Seifert, or even Jimmy Neesham, can bat in the top four.
The presence of Neesham, and to some extent, Mitchell Santner, has allowed New Zealand to play five specialist bowlers, all of whom have impressed. In the middle overs, Santner and Ish Sodhi have bowled particularly well. With dew expected to play a role in Dubai, particularly while defending a total, it will interesting to see how Kane Williamson uses his spinners.
Without a major injury concern, Australia look the more settled of the two units, particularly after their spectacular chase against Pakistan. Put to pressure, their middle-order batters came out in flying colours, and the unit should be high on confidence ahead of the final.
The Australian has been clinical in this tournament. While Adam Zampa has been their leading wicket-taker, their fast bowlers – a Test-match attack consisting of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood – have done well. The pacers were spotted bowling a hard length during their final practice session on the eve of the final. Considering the dew, they may bowl shorter than usual, particularly in the middle overs, when they can put men on the fence.
The only weak link, apart from Finch's ordinary form, in this attack is their fifth bowler. Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh have done a reasonable job so far, but expect New Zealand to target them in the final.
Likely XIs
Australia: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert (wk), James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult
Fantasy tips
- This is going to be a contest between Australia's batting vs New Zealand's bowling. Pick teams accordingly.
- Zampa and Sodhi, the leg-spinners, are in red-hot form, and are must-picks in your fantasy sides.
- New-ball bowlers of both teams hold the key. Don't forget to pick the likes of Boult and Starc.
Fantasy XI
Matthew Wade (wk), David Warner, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Maxwell, Jimmy Neesham (c), Adam Zampa, Trent Boult (vc), Mitchell Starc, Ish Sodhi, Josh Hazlewood