NZ vs AUS Final Highlights: Australia beat New Zealand by 8 wickets to win T20 World Cup 2021
Follow all the LIVE Updates as New Zealand take on Australia in the Final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 at the Dubai International Stadium.
NZ vs AUS Final T20 World Cup 2021 Highlights: That's it, folks! Australia romp home with their maiden victory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. That was all from our live coverage, we will return with more live action from upcoming cricketing events in future. Hope you enjoyed the T20 World Cup 2021 as much as we did serving it to you. This is your host Sahil Sethi signing off!
Finch: This is huge. To be the first Australian team to be able to do it. So proud. We knew our backs were against the wall. We had some great individual performances, some great team performances. Can't believe people wrote him off saying he was done (Warner). That's when he plays his best cricket. Was almost like poking the bear. The player of the tournament for me (Zampa). Mitch Marsh - what a way to start his innings today. Wade coming into this game with an injury cloud but got a job done. Stoinis did the business.
Plenty of smiles from the Australian players as they walk up for their medals
Williamson: We were trying to get a platform and the surface was holding a fraction. But typical to here in Dubai. It was nice to build some partnerships and get what we thought was a competitive total. Only to be chased superbly by Australia. They're a fantastic side. We certainly made every effort. Guys came out and committed to their plans. They didn't give an inch really. Really proud of our team's efforts throughout. Came here in the final and gave it our best shot but it wasn't enough. Conditions varied a lot from venue to venue but we adjusted well. Nice to get to the big dance. Credit to Australia. Today they really turned it on. High hopes coming into this game. Never nice. Winning and losing are two possible outcomes.
New Zealand line up for their medals. It says runners-up again unfortunately. Huge cheers from the crowd as Williamson's name is announced.
David Warner, Player of the Tournament: Always felt really well. Didn't get much time in the middle in the two practice matches obviously. But for me it was about going back to basics. Going to hard, synthetic wickets and try to hit some balls. Definitely up there with 2015. Being part of the World Cup final against England a decade ago definitely hurt. These guys are a great bunch of guys. Great support staff, great team, great support back home. Just wanted to put on a great spectacle for everyone. Bit of nerves around with a good score on the board. Just great to see the guys deliver.
Mitchell Marsh, Player of the Match: Lot of people say this but I really don't have words right now. An amazing six weeks with this group. Coaching staff came up to me in the WI and said you'll bat three for this tournament. I jumped at the opportunity. Not a whole lot of thinking that goes into that (first ball for six). Just wanted to go out there and have a presence. Big Marcus Stoinis always talks about having a presence.
It's not often Australia aren't considered heavy favourites for any trophy, but they weren't this time. And after the England defeat the snipers were out. All sorts of questions about the way they've rotated players in T20Is not allowing for consistency, their selections, and everything else. But they've turned it around in style, finding heroes for every occasion. It was Wade in the semifinal, and Marsh today. Not to forget Warner who stepped up on both nights. Here come the presentations.
Justin Langer: Everyone that wins a World Cup says it's hard to process, it's hard to put in words, but this is such a wonderful group of people. Every coach and every captain says the same but we have got some amazing cricketers here. We haven't had a chance to play together for different reasons for the last 12 months. When we all got back together, it was almost like a reunion. There are so many close relationships there, a very special moment for everyone. We knew when we came together how much talent we had. There's enormous talent in the team. When we were in the West Indies and Bangladesh, there were a few missing pieces, Mitch Marsh took one of those pieces and he's been brilliant. We also embraced fun. In these situations, when everyone's talking about bubble, these guys have had so much fun on and off the ground. In this form of game, you actually it's important to have fun and enjoy, the guys have done that. I think that was a really important part of the success here. Zamps (Adam Zampa) puts a smile on my face everytime because he's a little bit different and he's a little bit hippie but he's so competitive, he's been so good in this form of the game. We see leg-spinners having an impact around the world and he's doing that for Australia. Josh Hazlewood - he didn't play the last one-day WC because he had some back issues. He's been sublime here, it's been a great team effort.
Steven Smith: It means a lot. We have worked hard for a long time and it is honour to be here with the boys and take the trophy home. Warner's last two weeks have been amazing. A lot of people were writing him off. He came in with exceptional intent and took the game away at the start.
Mitchell Starc: It's not been an ideal lead up. But this is the closest the guys were and it has shown in the way we played our cricket. Different guys in different games and the closeness with the guys has taken us through. Zampa has been the best bowler by far in white ball over the last two years. We know how to bowl around him. The bowling group just know our roles a lot clearer.
Adam Zampa: I just tried to bowl to my strength, to the best of my abilities. I knew the wickets are going to be slow. I bowled in some good times, we won tosses and bowled with a dry ball. Tried to get wickets and tried to defend when needed. Lot of credit to them (support staff). Preparation from their side has been great. This is their win as well.
Glenn Maxwell: He (Zampa) has been a superstar in this format as well as one-day cricket for a long period of time. I have had the pleasure of having him at the Stars and watched him grow into the player he is. To watch him bring all his talent straight into international cricket, he's fitted in so well. In the last 3 years, as a leg-spinner, I don't think there haven't been many better in the world. (On his personal form heading into the tournament) It was perfect, I was able to give myself a few days off before the tournament to freshen up. I was hitting the ball really well, I wasn't required a whole lot. It was nice to be out there and hit the winning runs.
Josh Hazlewood: There's always pressure, the batters come at you from ball 1 and we kept the powerplay to 40ish runs, so a good effort there. I got away towards the end. Exceptional chase from our guys. Kane is a superb players, has been for a long time, it was a classical Kane innings. He scored all around, and hurt us when we bowled poorly.
Pat Cummins: Pretty pumped. Once we go back home it will sink in. A lot of support back home, they've gotten up at 1am. It's a good thing to play some IPL here. Even Hazlewood was able to adapt quickly because of that.
Marcus Stoinis: This group of boys, we actually love each other. It's beautiful - this team. I can't wait to play with this team. I am so proud of them. You won't find bigger supporters of Mitch Marsh than here and probably his family. We are so happy for him.
Matthew Wade: It's huge. First T20 World Cup coming in, felt like a lot of people wrote us off early, but internally we spoke about how we could be the first team to achieve this for Australia. Something really, really special. More than my innings (against Pakistan), the partnership (with Stoinis) will stand out. We didn't realize we scored as many runs as we did. Today we were confident that if the boys could get off to a good start we can do this. Thankfully Mitch (Marsh), Davey and Maxi did it.
Australia innings: With a dominant display with the bat, Australia guided their way to an eight-wicket win over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2021 Final. After losing their skipper Aaron Finch early, David Warner alongside Mitchell Marsh wove a 92-run stand between them to give their side a sold thrust. While both of them smashed half-centuries, Glenn Maxwell's quickfire was also instrumental in guiding them to the victory. Barring Trent Boult, Adam Milne and Mitchell Santner, the rest of the New Zealand bowlers went for soaring high economies.
Australia 173/2 in 18.5 overs: 11 RUNS! Maxwell smashes Southee for a four to get the winning runs for Australia.
Tim Southee is back into the attack with his final over.
Australia 162/2 in 18 overs: Excellent over from Milne as he conceded just three runs from his final over.
Adam Milne is back into the attack.
Australia 159/2 in 17 overs: 10 RUNS! Marsh smashes Boult for a four in his final over of the spell.
Trent Boult is back into the attack
Australia 149/2 in 16 overs: 13 RUNS! Maxwell goes harsh on Southee. Smashes a six and a four.
Tim Southee is back into the attack
Australia 136/2 in 15 overs: 11 RUNS! Maxwell smashes Milne for two consecutive fours. A run from wide as well!
Adam Milne is back into the attack
Australia 125/2 in 14 overs: 16 RUNS! Sodhi bowls an unwanted one! Marsh smashes a six and a four. Besides, the Kiwi spinner bowls two wides.
Ish Sodhi is back into the attack
Australia 109/2 in 13 overs: Excellent over from Boult! Warner's big wicket and just three runs.
Australia 107/2 in 12.2 overs: WICKET! Warner bowled! Full and straight delivery from Boult goes crashing into the stumps to define Warner's way to the pavilion.
Trent Boult is back into the attack
Australia 106/1 in 12 overs: New Zealand badly looking for a wicket! Santner gives away nine runs including a four.
Australia 97/1 in 11 overs: 15 RUNS! Neesham goes expensive! A six each by Warner and Marsh.
James Neesham, right-arm medium, comes into the attack
DRINKS BREAK!
Australia 82/1 in 10 overs: Fantastic over for Santner and New Zealand as the spinner conceded just five runs.
Australia 77/1 in 9 overs: 17 RUNS! Warner crushes Sodhi with back to back boundaries. Two fours and one six from Sodhi's second over.
Australia 60/1 in 8 overs: 10 RUNS! Santner leaks some runs in his first over. Marsh smashes a big six over deep square leg.
Mitchell Santner, left arm orthodox, comes into the attack
Australia 50/1 in 7 overs: Fine over from Sodhi. Seven runs from his opening over.
Ish Sodhi, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack
Australia 43/1 in 6 overs: Milne brings Kiwis back into the game. Just three runs from his second over.
Australia 40/1 in 5 overs: 10 RUNS! Warner smashes Southee for a big six over the deep mid-wicket.
Australia 30/1 in 4 overs: 15 RUNS! Big over for Australia and Mitchell Marsh. Smashes three consecutive boundaries- six and two fours.
Adam Milne, right-arm fast, comes into the attack
Australia 15/1 in 3 overs: Just four runs and a wicket from Boult's second over.
Mitchell Marsh, right-handed bat, comes to the crease
Australia 15/1 in 2.3 overs: WICKET! Finch mistimes an outside off-ball with a pull and finds a fielder at deep square leg. Daryl Mitchell takes an easy catch.
Australia 11/0 in 2 overs: 10 RUNS! Unwanted opening over for Southee! Warner smashes two consecutive fours.
Tim Southee, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack
Australia 1/0 in 1 over: 5 DOTS! Boult does it again for what he is known for! Just one run from his opening over. Big LBW appeal but it hasn't been given! Inswinging delivery from Boult struck on the pads! Finch gets a chance.
Warner and Finch are at the crease. Warner is on strike. Boult will open the attack
New Zealand innings: After being put to bat first by Australia, New Zealand struggled to get runs in the first 10 overs. Thereafter, it was New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson's knock of 85 runs (48 balls) that anchored the Kiwis to a fighting total of 172 runs on the board. While Josh Hazelwood was exceptional with the ball who returned with an economy of just 4, Mitchell Starc's quota of overs went haywire as he leaked 60 runs!
INNINGS BREAK!
Australia need 173 runs from their 20 overs to win the game.
New Zealand 172/4 in 20 overs: 10 RUNS! Starc leaks quite a few runs in his final over. A four and two wides.
New Zealand 162/4 in 19 overs: 13 RUNS! Cummins goes costly, leaks 13 runs from his last over including a six
New Zealand 148/4 in 18 overs: 2 WICKETS! Just the over Australia wanted. Five runs from that over of Hazelwood.
Tim Seifert, right-handed bat, comes to the crease
New Zealand 148/4 in 17.5 overs: WICKET! Hazlewood sends Williamson to the pavilion.
James Neesham, left-handed bat, comes to the crease
New Zealand 144/3 in 17.2 overs: WICKET! Josh Hazlewood takes Glenn Phillips's wicket! Breaks 68-run partnership between Williamson and Phillips!
New Zealand 144/2 in 17 overs: Pat Cummins gets Australia some air to breathe after some expensive overs. Eight runs from his third over.
New Zealand 136/2 in 16 overs: 22 RUNS! Back to back boundaries for New Zealand! Highly expensive over from Starc as he leaks too many runs. Five boundaries including one six and four fours!
New Zealand 114/2 in 15 overs: 12 RUNS! Zampa goes expensive in his last over! Concedes boundaries- a six and a four!
New Zealand 102/2 in 14 overs: 5 runs from second over of Pat Cummins.
New Zealand 97/2 in 13 overs: 2 SIXES! Big over for New Zealand! 16 runs conceded by Maxwell including two consecutive sixes by Williamson. Williamson gets his fifty!
Glenn Maxwell is back into the attack.
New Zealand 81/2 in 12 overs: Another economical over from Zampa. Five runs from that over and a wicket!
Glenn Phillips, the right-handed bat, comes to the crease.
New Zealand 76/2 in 11.1 overs: WICKET! Adam Zampa tempts Guptill to play an aerial show. The Kiwis batsman was caught at the deep mid-wicket by Marcus Stoinis. Guptill 28 (35)
New Zealand 76/1 in 11 overs: 19 RUNS! Kane Williamson gets another life! Williamson made yorker a direct hit but was dropped at fine leg by Josh Hazelwood. Costly over for Australia that conceded three fours and a no-ball!
Mitchell Starc is back into the attack with his second over!
DRINKS BREAK! New Zealand badly looking to up their run rate.
New Zealand 57/1 in 10 overs: Disciplined bowling from Zampa. Just six runs from his second over.
New Zealand 51/1 in 9 overs: Two FOURS! New Zealand's search for boundaries has been satiated! 11 runs from Mitchell Marsh's opening over!
Mitchell Marsh, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack
New Zealand 40/1 in 8 overs: Magnificient start for Zampa. Gives away three runs from his opening over.
Adam Zampa, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack
New Zealand 37/1 in 7 overs: Yet another good over for Australia! Maxwell conceded five runs after the powerplay.
New Zealand 32/1 in 6 overs: 5 DOTS in a row! Josh Hazlewood keeps it tight for the Kiwis! Mere two runs from the over that too in the last delivery.
New Zealand 30/1 in 5 overs: Fantastic opening over by Cummins. Four dots and just two runs.
Pat Cummins, right-arm fast, comes into the attack
New Zealand 28/1 in 4 overs: Just the over Australia wanted! Five runs from that over and a wicket.
New Zealand 28/1 in 3.5 overs: WICKET! Hazlewood sends Mitchell to the pavilion. Mitchell foxed in a slower back of a length delivery. Attempts to nip it away, takes the edge and is safely caught by Wade. Mitchell 11 (8)
New Zealand 23/0 in 3 overs: 10 runs from that over! Maxwell smashed for a six by Daryl Mitchell right in the first ball. Australia lose a chance to dismiss Guptill. A thick under-edge dropped by Wade behind the stumps.
Change of bowling. Glenn Maxwell, right-arm off break, comes into the attack!
New Zealand 13/0 in 2 overs: Excellent opening over from Josh Hazlewood. Just four runs from that over.
Josh Hazlewood opens the attack alongside Starc.
New Zealand 9/0 in 1 over: Steady start for New Zealand. Starc opened the bowling attack with a dot but was smashed for a four right in the second delivery.
Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell open the innings for New Zealand. Guptill is on strike. Mitchell Starc opens the attack with the ball for Australia.
Let's PLAY!
7:05 PM: Playing XI of New Zealand and Australia
New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson(c), Tim Seifert(w), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult
Australia (Playing XI): David Warner, Aaron Finch(c), Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade(w), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
7:00 PM: Australia have won the toss and elected to bowl first here in the final in Dubai.
6:55 PM: Australia's top-order batsmen warm themselves up ahead of the toss in Dubai.
6:45 PM: Australian players engage in deep conversation minutes before the game against the Kiwis in Dubai.
6:30 PM: Kane Williamson and Co. give final touches before the summit clash against Australia in Dubai.
6:15 PM: Tim Seifert needs 30 runs to complete 2,500 runs in T20 cricket.
6:00 PM: Martin Guptill needs one six to become the New Zealand player with the most sixes in T20 World Cups. The highest record of 23 sixes is currently being shared by Guptill and Ross Taylor.
5:45 PM: Guptill needs 49 runs to surpass Brendon McCullum’s tally of 637 runs to become New Zealand’s leading run-scorer in ICC Men T20 World Cups.
5:30 PM: Interesting stat attack from New Zealand team before their final game against Australia!
5:15 PM: Predicted Playing XI
Australia David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Mitchell Marsh, Steven 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), Tim Seifert (wk), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.
5:00 PM: David Warner is just four sixes away to complete 100 T20I sixes.
4:45 PM: Glenn Maxwell needs seven sixes to complete 100 sixes in the T20Is.
4:15 PM: New Zealand vs Australia Head to Head record, quick T20I stats
The thrilling nail-biting semifinals of T20 World Cup 2021 have given us the two finalists- New Zealand and Australia, both of whom would be eyeing their maiden T20 WC title. While Australia would be smelling the air of the T20 WC finals twice now, for Kane Williamson's led side, it is their first experience.
4:00 PM: Australia's skipper Aaron Finch needs 25 runs to complete his 10,000 T20 runs.
3:15 PM: New Zealand are unaffected by the world talks and unbothered by their 'underdogs' title ahead of the high-octane clash at the Dubai International Stadium.
3:00 PM: Kane Williamson's New Zealand undertake final training session ahead of the game against Australia in the final of T20 World Cup 2021 in Dubai.
Matthew Wade may bat higher up the order, hints Australia captain Finch
Australia's limited-overs skipper Aaron Finch feels there is a potential for Matthew Wade to come higher up in the order as early as in the ICC T20 World Cup final against New Zealand later on Sunday in order to fully realize his batting abilities.
Wade and Marcus Stoinis came together when the chips were down against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup semifinal in Dubai on November 11, with the former cashing in on a dropped catch by Hasan Ali to smash three sixes off three deliveries to guide Australia into the final for the second time in the history of the tournament.
SEIFERT TO STEP IN FOR CONWAY?
A man-down ahead of the big match, that too in in-form batter Davon Conway, New Zealand are facing the eleventh-hour crisis of finding an alternative option for the top-order batter. As per the squad depth, it seems the onus is going to fall on wicket-keeper batter Tim Seifert to step into the big shoes of Conway. The alternate, however, doesn't instill much confidence as he has played just one innings of 8 runs earlier in Super 12 against Pakistan for a losing cause.
To read in detail about Devon Conway injury, please click on the link mentioned: New Zealand's Devon Conway ruled out of T20 World Cup final
Kane Williamson acknowledges strengths of Aussies heading into final
"Zampa is a world-class bowler, one of the top in the world and complimented nicely by obviously some of the top seamers in the world," Williamson said.
"As a side they have got a lot of match-winners, and you know, I think that's a large part of the strength in their team throughout. They have got world-class cricketers."
New Zealand vs Australia Dream11 Predictions, T20 World Cup final Probable Playing 11, Pitch Report, Injury Updates, Team Changes, Dubai Weather Updates, When and Where to Watch, Live Streaming details for NZ vs AUS World Cup final Match, 7:30 PM in India.
NZ vs AUS T20 World Cup 2021 Final: New Zealand's road to T20 WC Final - In pictures
The unpleasant start to the tournament that saw their defeat against Pakistan didn't stem the hopes for Kane Williamson led side. Thereafter, they won four matches in a trot and cruised their way to the finals. Ahead of the climax game on Sunday in Dubai, we look at the journey of the blackcaps in the marquee tournament.
Australia coach Justin Langer reckons aggressive and fearless batting will hold the key in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand. Australia and New Zealand will square off in the finals of the World Cup on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Australia's road to T20WC final - In Pictures
From making it to the semifinal by the barest of margin to thrashing title contenders Pakistan in the semifinal, Australia's journey in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 is no lesser than a roller coaster ride.
Player battle to watch out for from New Zealand vs Australia final
David Warner vs Tim Southee
Aaron Finch vs Trent Boult
Kane Williamson vs Adam Zampa
We were written off but reaching the final wasn't unexpected says: Finch
Australia's march into the final of the T20 World Cup is not surprising, skipper Aaron Finch said on Saturday, stressing that his team has the depth to go the distance and clinch a maiden title. Australia had come into the ICC event after losing all the series played this year. They lost to New Zealand, West Indies and Bangladesh in the lead-up to the tournament.
It's a one-off match for us: Williamson on the big final
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson on Saturday played down the hype around their big final against Australia in the T20 World Cup, terming it "a one-off match for us" where the focus will be on extending their fine run in the tournament.
Tim Seifert likely to replace injured Devon Conway in the T20 World Cup 2021 final against Australia in Dubai.
The feistiness of Australia will clash with the tactical shrewdness of a perennially understated New Zealand when the Trans-Tasman rivals battle for their maiden T20 World Cup trophy here on Sunday.
Considering how both Australia and New Zealand won their respective semifinals against fancied opponents, one can expect another dramatic finish at the "Ring of Fire".
Look at New Zealand's quick Trent Boult's bowling figures in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead speaks up before New Zealand vs Australia clash on Sunday.
New Zealand wicketkeeper Devon Conway undertakes behind-the-wicket drills ahead of the T20 World Cup Final against Australia on Sunday.
You don't come halfway around the world just to win a semifinal: Neesham
New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, who knows a thing or two about heartbreaks on a cricket field, held back his celebrations when his teammates jumped in joy after the tense semifinal win over England in the T20 World Cup. Neesham had his reasons to not move an inch in the dugout after scoring a momentum-changing 27 off 11 balls in the first semifinal.
"It's a situation worthy of celebrating I guess - winning a semi-final - but you don't come halfway around the world just to win a semi-final," Neesham told New Zealand Cricket when asked about his rather muted celebrations.
Australia's Road to Final
Australia vs South Africa Aaron Finch's team started the campaign on high with a thrilling win over South Africa by 5 wickets in the last over.
Australia vs Sri Lanka David Warner's fifty guided Australia to a 7 wicket win over Sri Lanka to claim two wickets in two matches.
Australia vs England Australia faced their first defeat by 8 wickets in this World Cup against arch-rivals England in their third game. England's Jos Buttler was the hero of the match.
Australia vs Bangladesh Australia bounced back stronger against Bangladesh with a big win which boosted their Net Run Rate. Men in Yellow won the game with 8 wickets and 13.4 overs in hand.
Australia vs West Indies David Warner continued his brilliant form to guide Australia to yet another win against West Indies to end the Super - 12 stage on a positive note.
Australia vs Pakistan Semifinal It was Matthew Wade's heroics and some poor fielding efforts by Pakistan that guided Australia to their second T20 World Cup final. Aaron Finch's side thrashed Men in Green by 5 wickets.
New Zealand's road to final
New Zealand vs Pakistan Kane Williamson's side received a poor start when they faced Pakistan in their campaign opener. Pakistan won the game by 5 wickets.
New Zealand vs India In what was a virtual quarter-final, New Zealand kept their calm and won the game by 8 wickets against India.
New Zealand vs Scotland Martin Guptill's 93 guided Blackcaps to a resounding victory over brave Scotland.
New Zealand vs Namibia The pace duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee dented Namibia's chase to guide Kiwis to 52 runs victory.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan It was a must-win game for New Zealand in order to qualify for the semifinal. With Trent Boult's 3 wicket haul, Kiwis secured their place in the semifinal with an 8 wicket win over Afghanistan.
New Zealand vs England Semifinal James Neesham's blistering cameo followed by a brilliant finish by Daryl Mitchell helped New Zealand beat England by 5 wickets. With this Blackcaps entered their first T20 World Cup final.
New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Devon Conway on Thursday was ruled out of the final of the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup and the subsequent tour of India due to a broken hand. Conway sustained the injury in the semi-final against England. Frustrated after being dismissed, Conway hit his own bat and scans today confirmed that he had broken his fifth metacarpal in his right hand.
You don't come halfway around the world just to win a semifinal: Neesham
For someone who was involved in a nerve-wracking Super Over finish in the 2019 ODI World Cup final where England controversially won on the boundary count rule, Neesham said he and his teammates have their eyes firmly set on the final against Australia on Sunday. Both teams are yet to win a T20 World Cup title. "It's a situation worthy of celebrating I guess - winning a semi-final - but you don't come halfway around the world just to win a semi-final," Neesham told New Zealand Cricket when asked about his rather muted celebrations.
Former England skipper Mike Atherton feels New Zealand is the strongest team across all three formats of the game at the moment after the Black Caps reached their maiden T20 World Cup final. New Zealand registered a sensational five-wicket win over favourites England here on Wednesday in the first semifinals. It would be their third final appearance at an ICC global event in as many years.
How New Zealand entered T20 World Cup 2021 Final
New Zealand entered the final of the ICC T20 World Cup with a five-wicket win over England in a thrilling first semifinal in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
Chasing 167 to win, Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with a sensational unbeaten 72 off 47 balls, while Devon Conway scored a 38-ball 46.
James Neesham smashed 27 off 11 runs to play a crucial role in the chase. Chris Woakes (2/36) and Liam Livingstone (2/22) were the most successful bowlers for England.
Invited to bat, England posted 166 for four riding on Moeen Ali's 51 not out and some useful contributions from Dawid Malan (42), Jos Buttler (29) and Liam Livingstone (17).
For New Zealand, Tim Southee (1/24), Adam Milne (1/31), Ish Sodhi (1/32) and James Neesham (1/18) were the wicket-takers.
Brief scores:
England: 166 for 4 in 20 overs (Moeen Ali 51 not out, Dawid Malan 42; Tim Southee 1/24); New Zealand: 167 for 5 in 19 overs (Daryl Mitchell 72; Liam Livingstone 2/22)
How Australia entered the Final of T20 World Cup 2021
Australia defeated Pakistan by five wickets to enter the final of the ICC T20 World Cup in Dubai on Thursday. Sent into bat, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman smashed quick fifties as Pakistan posted a challenging 176 for four.
Opening the innings, Rizwan scored 67 off 52 balls during which he hit three boundaries and four sixes, while Zaman remained unbeaten on 55 off 32 balls with the help of three fours and four sixes.
Together with skipper Babar Azam (39), Rizwan shared 71 runs for the opening stand before stitching 72 runs with Zaman.
For Australia, Mitchell Starc picked up two wickets for 38 runs.
Chasing, David Warner made 49, while Matthew Wade smashed a 17-ball unbeaten 41 and Marcus Stoinis was not out on 40 off 31 deliveries as Australia overhauled the target with an over to spare. Shadab Khan was the best bowler for Pakistan with figures of 4 for 26.
Brief scores:
Pakistan: 176 for 4 wickets in 20 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 67, Fakhar Zaman 55 not out; Mitchell Starc 2/38); Australia: 177 for 5 in 19 overs (David Warner 49, Matthew Wade 41 not out, Marcus Stoinis 40 not out; Shadab Khan 4/26)