2019 World Cup finalists face each other in the first semi-final of T20 World Cup 2021 on Wednesday. New Zealand are up against an English juggernaut side which seems really hard to tame but Kiwis will look to avenge their loss that happened in the 2019 World Cup final.
Venue and Time: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi @7.30pm IST
Overview:
Having won 4 and lost the last match in the group stage, England are now stepping into the semi final as the group toppers. Well, there have been a couple of thinking points for England just ahead of the semis as they lost their prominent opener Roy with a calf Injury. James Vince has been announced as his replacement. That being said, Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler may open the innings whereas Billings is expected to slot in at 4. This may turn out to be a huge blow for them. England have been the favorites of this tournament and have been sensational so far. However, their middle-order hasn't been quite upto the mark, with captain Morgan scoring just 64 runs in 3 innings while Jonny Bairstow has just scored 34 runs in 5 innings and they need to get some runs under their belt. Moeen Ali is their key weapon in both the departments and ever since he has represented CSK, his role is now completely different than what it was a few months back. Adil Rashid is their leading wicket taker and will have a significant role to play on Wednesday. Having lost to South Africa, England cannot disregard New Zealand. Can Buttler replicate his heroics against New Zealand like he did in the 2019 final? We will only be able to find it on Wednesday.
New Zealand on the other hand after losing to Pakistan, regrouped well and secured their place into the semis by winning 4 consecutive matches. The move to open with Mitchell to capitalize the powerplay from both the openers has been spot on. Kane Williamson and Devon Conway have been striking at run-a-ball in this tournament. The middle-order doesn't look as settled as it should be. This is where they will look to improve in this upcoming game, their spin department and pace duo have played a vital role. Spinners are able to pick up crucial wickets and contain the middle overs whereas the swing kings in Boult and Southee have picked wickets in the powerplay and there's not a single doubt that these two match winners have taken this team through to the semis. In order to rattle England and take the revenge back, New Zealand will need a heck of an effort to beat this super power hulk side.
Analysis:
England:
Positives:
Jos Buttler has been formidable and is the second most run scorer in this tournament with 240 runs at an average of 120 and a brilliant strike rate of 155.84. He also hit the highest sixes - 13.
Adil Rashid has bowled 18.2 overs in which he conceded only 107 runs at an average of 13.37 and an economy rate of 6.10 and is their leading wicket taker with 9 scalps to his name.
Moeen Ali has sparkled with the ball so far. He has bowled 14 overs and had picked 7 crucial wickets by conceding only 77 runs at an economy rate of 5.50. The majority of the overs have been bowled in the powerplay and in spite of that, he has conceded only 1 six.
Vulnerabilities:
The English team is known for their depth in the batting department however except for Roy, Buttler and Mooen, other players have not hit the strap as expected. Malan has struggled in rotating the strike as he has issues in playing spin.
Fast bowlers haven't picked wickets as they would have liked. Even though Mark Wood is back in the squad, he didn't look promising in the previous game that he played against South Africa. Their death bowling is something that can haunt them.
New Zealand:
Positives:
Trent Boult is one of the main reasons for Kiwi's success in reaching the semis, he equalizes Adam Zampa in taking 11 wickets at an economy rate of just 5.80. Boult is not only delivering with the new ball but he has also been tremendous in the death overs by bowling pinpoint yorkers. Southee on the other hand has taken 7 wickets by conceding only 114 runs at an economy of 5.70. The Boult-Southee duo has been magnificent with the ball and will be the key players to watch out.
Ish Sodhi has been a bit expensive but has picked crucial wickets too. He has picked up 8 wickets with an economy of 7.17.
Martin Guptill is their leading run scorer who has scored 176 runs at an average of 35.20 and a strike rate of 131.34. His opening partner Daryl Mitchell has scored 125 runs with a strike rate of 134.40. Both these guys have been making the most out of powerplay.
Vulnerabilities:
Williamson is their second highest scorer with 126 runs but the real concern is his poor strike rate as the skipper has been scoring runs with strike rate of mere 98.43.
Tactics:
We may see Bairstow opening alongside Buttler because of the fact that he has been succumbed thrice to (left arm along with leg spin) in this world cup, to avoid facing Ish Sodhi or Santner.
Mooen Ali has been bowling in the powerplay, however we may not see him with the new ball this time around due to right handed opener pair.
Dawid Malan averages over 50 against New Zealand as he loves playing against left arm pacers and we expect him to score 30+ runs tomorrow.
Similarities:
Both the teams have destructive openers.
Malan and Kane Williamson have a strike rate of below 120 and have struggled in rotating the strike. Their ultra-cautious approach hasn't caused much damage, but this could be the game to see their approach.
Both Eoin Morgan and Kane Williamson are tactically smart and mentally cool and calm.
Both the teams have 7 bowling options.
Both teams have power-hitting finishers.
Differences:
England have powerful hitters in their middle-order whereas New Zealand's middle-order is weak.
New Zealand has the best bowling duo of this tournament whereas England relies on Woakes and Moeen.
New Zealand has been terrific in the death while bowling whereas England have been expensive.
Captains ahead of the game:-
Williamson: "Another strong challenge coming up. England are a very strong side. For us it is important we keep learning and building on. Incredibly tough competition. Looking forward to the occasion."
Eoin Morgan: "It was a big achievement in itself coming through the group stage like we did by topping the table. But now it's all about producing as close as you can to your best as we know how good New Zealand are."
Pitch Report: The pitch for this fixture is expected to be batting friendly as witnessed in the night games at Abu Dhabi. The side chasing will have an advantage due to the presence of dew.
Predictions: Momentum is surely with England for the way they have played and for the resources they have in their team and therefore we back England to have the last laugh.
Dream11:
