Kamal Ghorui
The final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup between India and New Zealand has drawn attention across the cricket world, with both teams reaching the title clash after strong performances in the semi-finals following a challenging Super 8 stage. The match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.Earlier this year, India beat New Zealand 4-1 in a five-match T20I series at home. However, the final comes with different pressure. No host nation has won the T20 World Cup so far, and no team has defended the title in the tournament.
Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin said New Zealand opener Finn Allen could be a major threat in the final. Allen scored a century against South Africa in the semi-final.“If he (Finn Allen) gets going in the final, he is one player who can ruin India’s party on their home soil. If I was India coming into the tournament, the one team I wouldn’t have wanted to play in the final is New Zealand,” Haddin said on Willow Talk Cricket Podcast.Haddin also said New Zealand would not be worried about playing in Indian conditions. He pointed out that the team has already shown it can challenge India in their home conditions.“New Zealand don’t fear India in home conditions. They’ve beaten them in a Test series here. So if they can go in with that mindset and Fin Allen can play with that freedom as he has, they can put some real pressure on India. I am going with New Zealand,” he added.Former Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon also shared his view on the final and backed New Zealand to win. He said captain Mitchell Santner could play an important role with the ball against India.“I am going to go with New Zealand in the final. The biggest key for India is the way they play Mitchell Santner. He is the captain of the side and has been very economical, especially on these pitches,” Lyon said.
