Australia stunned not just Pakistan but the whole world when they stormed into the T20 World Cup 2021 finals. They were behind the 8-ball for a large part of the semifinal. But Australia’s finishers arrived at the party in style taking down the best bowling lineup of the tournament. Here are 3 Things Australia Need To Do In Final.
Australia are now up against New Zealand in the big final. They will be well served to not take the Kiwis lightly as the black caps have shown they are a force to reckon with. Australia need to play percentage cricket to perfection to outsmart the Kiwis.
We look at 3 Things Australia Need To Do In Final
New Zealand have sealed most of their games in the powerplay itself. They have followed the pattern of winning the toss and bowling first on almost all occasions. This style has suited their gameplay. Australia need to break the kiwi routine of taking wickets upfront in the power plays. The longer their top-order stays in the middle, the better it will be for the batting lineup to capitalise later.
A lot rides on the shoulders of David Warner and Aaron Finch to overcome their battles against Trent Boult and Tim Southee. It is here where the game can be won or lost for the Aussies.
#2 Dominate the middle-overs
The New Zealand spinners have spun a web over all the opponents they have faced so far. They have seized the moments in the middle overs to prevent the opposition from firing at the death. Ish Sodhi in particular has been on top of his game in this World Cup. He picked a wicket in first over of his spell in every Super-12 game. Mitchell Santner too has played his matchups to perfection.
If Australia harbour dreams of winning the tournament, then they need to step up the gas against spin and in the middle overs. The moment they let the kiwi bowlers dominate during overs 7-15, the writing will be clear on the wall.
#3 Play attritional cricket and build pressure
Australia suffered their only but big loss in this tournament against England. The loss had a lot to do with Australia’s false bravado. None of their batters looked to arrest the slide when they lost wickets to the new ball. Australia were out of the game even before the 2nd innings began. They will look to rectify the mistakes from that game as New Zealand’s bowling plans are pretty similar to England.
Australia rather than looking to blast them away should focus on playing attritional cricket. The longer they maintain pressure on the kiwis better will be their chances to gun for glory.
Australia need to do the little things right to end up on the winning side on the big finals night.
Also read: Conway Ruled Out Of T20 WC Final & India Tour With A Broken Hand
