New Zealand and Australia (NZ VS AUS) are two unlikely finalists of the 2021 T20 World Cup. Nobody gave these two sides a chance before the tournament started. But now they are standing tall, on the verge of creating history. The format will finally get to have a new champion. There is little to separate these two teams on paper.
We take a look at the stats to determine who holds the ace heading into the big final:
# New Zealand vs Australia: Head to Head in T20Is
The Trans-Tasmanian rivals first played the T20 back in 2005. Glenn McGrath attempting to bowl underarm is an iconic moment between these two sides. New Zealand and Australia since then have contested on 14 occasions in T20Is. Australia have been the stronger of the two sides with 9 wins while the Kiwis won the battle 5 times.
The team from down under have a lot of pedigree in personnel and hence the results reflect that. But what cannot be escaped is the fact that even they are yet to win a T20 World Cup much like their counterparts in the finals.
# New Zealand vs Australia: T20I stats and records
Highest team total:
On February 16, 2018, Australia successfully chased down (245-5) a target of 244 runs within 18.5 overs.
Lowest team total:
On March 5, 2021, New Zealand were bowled out for just 106 runs while chasing a target of 157. It remains the lowest team total between the two sides.
Highest individual score:
Brendon McCullum in 2010 hit a 56-ball 116 in what was New Zealand’s first-ever win over Australia in T20I.
Best bowling figures:
Ashton Agar in 2021 bowled a sensational spell finishing with a figure of 6/30. It is the best bowling figure in an Australia vs New Zealand T20I match.
Most runs in Australia vs New Zealand T20Is:
New Zealand opener Martin Guptill is the highest run-scorer in Australia vs New Zealand T20Is. He has amassed 435 runs in 12 matches at an average of 36.25. This includes one century and two half-centuries.
Most wickets in Australia vs New Zealand T20Is:
It is a New Zealander again who holds this record. Spinner Ish Sodhi has picked 16 wickets in Australia vs New Zealand T20Is.
# New Zealand vs Australia: Record in ICC knockout games
Australia have had the upper hand when it comes to ICC knockout games against New Zealand. They have finished on the right side winning on all 3 occasions when they came up against the black caps. Their 2 wins came in Champions Trophy (2006 and 2009).
They defeated the kiwis in the semifinal in 2006 while in 2009 they beat them in the finals. Australia emerged trumps in the 2015 ODI World Cup final too. It’s clear Australia when it comes to ICC knockouts against the kiwis.
# New Zealand vs Australia: Venues and T20 World Cups
Matches played in Asia: 1 (NZ 1, AUS 0)
NZ vs AUS: Neutral Venue: 1 (NZ 1, AUS 0)
Matches played in ICC T20 World Cup: 1 (NZ 1, AUS 0)
It is the kiwis who have an upper hand in this facet albeit the record speaks for just a game.
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