England vs New Zealand: In a much awaited rematch from the ICC World Cup 2019 final, England will play New Zealand in the first semi final of the T20 World Cup 2021 in Abu Dhabi.
Both captains are well aware of each others strengths as demonstrated in that dramatic final of 2019. Eoin Morgan and Kane Williamson will again lock horns and try to out do each other at another World event.
Both teams have played excellent cricket in the tournament, both teams have won four games each and both know that stiffer tests lie ahead in the final.
England have a powerful batting line up that can turn the match around at any point. Their batting is capable of scoring at a high rate while batting first and can chase any target put in front of them. Despite the injury to Jason Roy, this England team is still the strongest side in the competition albeit now perhaps level with New Zealand when it comes to overall strength.
They have swatted aside sides like Australia in the tournament and a fateful injury to Roy and a Rabada hattrick prevented them from having a 100% record in the group stages. There is no such room for error left now and England will be looking to live up to the billing once again to lift another world cup.
New Zealand as always have played to their strengths and according to conditions. It has thus far reaped rich rewards, winning four out of five games and only coming unstuck against a Asif Ali inspired Pakistan. When it comes to playing the conditions and making life difficult for opposition there may not be a better captain than Kane Williamson. England is strong but New Zealand have an unshakable belief.
The scars will still be fresh from that heartbreaking loss at Lord’s two years ago, the likes of Guptill, Boult and Neesham will have a point to prove. They showed their ability to bounce back from disappointment to win the Test World Championship, a quality that will hold them in good stead as they look to move steadily towards their first T20 World title.
It’s England vs New Zealand, Eoin Morgan vs Kane Williamson, in an ICC global event, we have been there before, will it have the same drama and different outcome, we will find out.
England vs New Zealand.
WHERE TO WATCH:
The match will be aired live on Star Sports channels – Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 3 HD, and DD Sports. The game will also be available on Hotstar app for streaming.
TIMING:
The game begins at 7:30 PM (IST) on Wednesday (November 10).