Given how both Australia and New Zealand defeated favored opponents in their semifinals, another thrilling finish is expected today.
New Zealand has always been consistent in ICC events, but they now appear to have the confidence to go all the way under Kane Williamson’s shrewd leadership.
If New Zealand wins today then they will be current ICC Test Champions and ICC T20 World Cup Champions.
It will be their first appearance in a T20 World Cup final, and if they win it, it will be a remarkable feat for a country of five million people that continues to produce world-class athletes.
In overall T20 matches, Australia leads the incumbent world Test champions, but the Black Caps won their only encounter in the World Cup back in 2016 in India.
The Australians won their last World Cup final in the 50-over format in 2015, and they haven’t won an ICC event since then.
In the semifinals, New Zealand, the strongest bowling team in the group stage, demonstrated their batting prowess against pre-tournament favorites.
Kane Williamson, the skipper, is due for a big score, and we anticipate him to deliver on Sunday.
New Zealand will be without Devon Conway, who broke his right hand after punching his bat in rage after being dismissed in the semifinal.
Tim Southee and Trent Boult, the experienced pace duo, will be tasked with keeping Australian openers Aaron Finch and David Warner quiet on the power play.
Australian David Warner has demonstrated that class is permanent and form is fleeting in his last two innings, and you can count on him to deliver in the championship game.
Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith, who have yet to make an impact in the competition, are expected to do more.
The Australians are better prepared for another close finish after Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade pulled off a spectacular chase against Pakistan.
Probable Australian Team: Aaron Finch (Captain), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade (wk), David Warner, Adam Zampa.
Probable New Zealand: Kane Williamson (Captain), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Adam Milne, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.
