After 25 days of non-stop cricket and 45 matches, the cricket world has finally found its two finalists for this year’s ICC men’s T20 World Cup.
Two deserving finalists, New Zealand and Australia will fight it out to get their hands on the silverware at the Dubai International Stadium.
A game that will no doubt see the best team become the World Champions, let’s take a look at players from both sides who can win it for their sides.
Ish Sodhi
Leg spinners have been the go-to wicket-taking option for captains in this edition of the World Cup and the top 2 wicket-takers in the tournament being leg spinners showcases the fact perfectly.
Kiwi leg spinner Ish Sodhi has been one such weapon in the New Zealand bowling attack. Sodhi has bagged 9 wickets so far playing 6 matches at an economy of 7.33 and is the highest wicket-taker for the Blackcaps.
His wicket-taking prowess accompanied by his dot balls in the middle overs can become a threat for the opponents.
Jimmy Neesham
All-rounders play a vital role in any format of the game and Jimmy Neesham has done exactly that for New Zealand in the World Cup.
His cameo in the semi-final was the catalyst of the run chase. In his last 3 innings, he has strike rates of 166.7 (10 from 6 balls), 152.17 (35 from 23 balls) and 245.45 (27 from 11 balls) respectively.
With the ball, he is equally effective. He has an economy of under 7 and has also taken 3 wickets. If a situation arises in the final where quick runs or wickets are required, his all-round abilities can definitely come into play.
Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell’s innings of 72* from just 42 balls in the semi-final played a pivotal role for his side to reach the final. Not just his innings in the semi-final, he is also the highest run-getter for New Zealand in the tournament with 197 runs at a strike rate of 140.71.
In the all-important final, his innings at the top can unarguably lay the foundation for his side to set a decent score or even chase down targets.
David Warner
Heading into the World Cup, there were a lot of speculations regarding Warner’s form with the bat who was also left out of his IPL side.
However, by being the highest run-scorer for Australia and the 4th highest run-getter in this World Cup (236 runs at a strike rate of 148.42), Warner proved why class is always permanent.
If Warner can continue this form in the final, he is one such player who can easily take the game away from the New Zealand bowlers.
Adam Zampa
As previously mentioned how leg spinners have been a vital weapon in the bowling arsenal for any side, Adam Zampa is the one for Australia.
Being the 2nd highest wicket-taker in the World Cup with 12 wickets from 6 matches at an economy of just 5.69, Zampa has been delivering the goods for Australia with both wickets and economical bowling in the middle overs. His bowling can give the New Zealand batters a hard time on Sunday.
Marcus Stoinis
Power hitters have turned out to be match-winners on various occasions in T20 cricket and for Australia Marcus Stoinis’ impressive hitting abilities can make impossible run chases possible.
In this tournament so far, he has a decent strike rate of 137.93 at a staggering average of 80 batting in 4 innings. His unbeaten 40 off 31 balls in the semi-final booked Australia a ticket for the finals.
anrbhowmik@gmail.com