England. New Zealand.
Two of the most successful teams in the tournament.
Lots at stake?
We have been here before haven’t we? Oh wait? Or is this deja-vu?
Oh yes, the 2019 World Cup Final. Perhaps one of the most thrilling games one has ever seen or perhaps one we will ever see? Both teams were tied at 241 runs after their 50 overs and then both were tied with the same scores at the end of the super over too. It was then decided by the total number of boundaries hit by a team which made England eventual winners.
It was the first time that a One Day International was decided by a super over and also the very first time that the outcome of a One Day International was being decided on the basis of the boundaries that were hit. And that too in a WORLD CUP FINAL (Still can’t believe it, right?).
It has rightly been called as the greatest ODI game of all time and perhaps even the best game of cricket one could ever see. Any arguments?
We certainly didn’t think so!
If this semi-final of the T20 World Cup is even half as exciting (even though we can negotiate as low as 25%), we are in for one hell of a ride. And all the factors leading up to this match surely make our case further. Both teams have been playing some outstanding cricket. Both teams have played 5 games out of which they have won 4 and lost 1. Both teams are quite confident coming into this game.
However, both teams have different plans. While New Zealand have been playing a very smart and calculated game with all planning and execution being done to the utmost perfection, England know only one way. They have rail-roaded their way into the tournament dismantling opponents one after the other. They have an enviable depth in their batting department and are loaded with power hitters till the end.
England’s power vs New Zealand’s smartness. England’s aggression vs New Zealand’s composure. England’s domination vs New Zealand’s defiance.
Well, this one is going to be special folks!
Pitch Conditions – Abu Dhabi has been the most batting friendly wicket amongst all the three venues in this tournament. The pitch should have a little bit for everybody in it. The game will be played in the middle pitch of the ground which will increase the sound of boundaries which should provide some relief to the bowlers.
Head to Head Stats –
Both these teams have played against each other 21 times out of which England have won 13 and New Zealand have only 7 with one game being washed away. However when it comes to ICC tournaments, the case has been a little closer even though England still have the upper hand. They have played 5 games in the T20 World Cup out of which England have won 3 and New Zealand have won 2.
England vs New Zealand Playing XI (Probable)
England Probable XI – Jos Buttler (wk), Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Moeen Ali, Eoin Morgan (c), Sam Billings, Liam Livingstone, Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid
New Zealand Possible XI: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway (wk), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult
