The showpiece of the ICC T20 World Cup takes place in Dubai on Sunday with New Zealand and Australia set to renew their rivalry.
Both of these sides finished runners-up in their groups and started underdogs in their semi-final matches.
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand played against England on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi and they won the toss and elected to field. They managed to keep the England innings in check all the way through with England finishing on 166 for 4 and pick of the bowlers was opener Tim Southee with 1 for 24 in his 4 overs.
New Zealand then batted and scored 167 for 5 in 19 overs having looked down and out with 4 overs to go and over 50 runs required. Daryl Mitchell saw New Zealand through some good bowling early in the innings to finish on 72 off 47 balls and he was able supported by Devon Conway with 46 off 38 (Conway is out of the Final with a broken hand) and finally James Neesham with a whirlwind 27 off 11 balls.
Our semi-final bet, New Zealand to score more 6’s arrived comfortably and we are also sitting on 9/2 that they win the Tournament.
AUSTRALIA
Australia won the toss and chose to field in the second semi-final against Pakistan in Dubai and the toss was considered so important that the betting changed that Australia actually started favourites despite being underdogs up until that point.
Pakistan batted well though and scored 176 for 4 in their 20 overs and Adam Zampa was probably the pick of the bowlers with his 1 for 22 in 4 overs, although Mitch Starc with 2 for 38 in his 4 was also impressive as was Pat Cummins with 1 for 30 in his spell.
Australia had the worst possible start when Aaron Finch went for a Golden Duck, but after scratching around early they gradually batted themselves back into the game before a storming finish from Stoinis and Wade saw them home with an over to spare and with 5 wickets in hand. Wade finished on 41 at a strike rate of 241 and Stoinis on 40 at a strike rate of 129. Earlier in the innings it was David Warner with 49 off 30 balls that laid the foundation for the Australian win.
BETTING – Click here to bet
New Zealand 13/10
Australia 5/8
Suggested Bet: Most Match 6’s, New Zealand at 5/4
I am a bit disappointed Conway isn’t playing, but there are plenty of big hitters in this New Zealand side and I am backing them to clear this boundary more times than their Australian rivals.
Suggested Bet: Top New Zealand Batsman, Guptill at 28/10
Guptill failed to fire in the semi-final, but he is a critical part of the New Zealand batting line-up and I think he comes good in the final.
Suggested Bet: Top Australian Bowler, Adam Zampa at 28/10
He didn’t get amongst the wickets to any great degree in the semi-final, but his bowling was spot on with New Zealand most likely forced to go after him, he could get amongst the sticks.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
