Right then, Australia need 173 runs to win their first T20 World Cup title. The pressure is going to be immense on their batters on this challenging surface and the first 6 overs are going to be very critical. Dew could be a factor later on.
Glenn Philips, who was involved in a crucial momentum-shifting 68-run stand with Kane Williamson, comes up for a chat. Says that the wicket is a bit slower and it's a challenge to bat against the off-paced deliveries. Feels that Kane Williamson's attack on Mitchell Starc turned the match around for them a bit. Finishes by hoping that they can execute their plans well in the field.
It's yet another demanding surface of Dubai and New Zealand planned to preserve the wickets. The Powerplay was very quiet as they managed only 32 runs for the loss of Daryl Mitchell. The going remained slow in the middle overs with Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill forming a partnership. The pair concentrated more on rotating the strike and also found boundaries whenever loose deliveries were served to them.
As far as Australian bowling is concerned, you will have to see it in parts. Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa, three out of Australia's four main bowlers were brilliant in their spells but Mitchell Starc had an off day as he went for plenty of runs. Also, the quota of the fifth bowler was bowled by Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh and they went for 39 runs in 4. Not to forget the dropped catch of Kane Williamson on 21 by Hazlewood and that proved to be too costly for the Aussies.
At the halfway mark, New Zealand were 57/1 and after getting life in the 11th over, Kane Williamson took Mitchell Starc to the cleaners. Just when we sensed a momentum shift, Adam Zampa broke the 48-run stand by sending Martin Guptill back to the pavilion. That though didn't deter Kane Williamson as he continued launching a stunning attack. The Kiwi skipper announced his arrival to form at the biggest stage and played a gem of a knock. He scored a 48-ball 85, the most by a captain in the final o
A much-better final over from Mitchell Starc but the damage was already done. New Zealand will be thrilled with the way they batted in the second half. They managed to amass 115 runs in the last 10 overs and posted a daunting total on the board.
Mitchell Starc to James Neesham, Two to finish! A low full toss, on off. Neesham hits it to long off. They set off for the second. The throw comes to Starc, he throws it to Wade, but both the batters are safe! New Zealand end at 172 for 4!
Mitchell Starc to Tim Seifert, Yorker, on the pads. Tim Seifert works it to deep mid-wicket. The fielder runs in and keeps it to one. Final ball of the first innings coming up.
Mitchell Starc to James Neesham, TWO WIDES! Sprays it full and down the leg side. Neesham misses the flick. Wade has to dive to stop the ball and the batters set off for a bye. The throw comes in but Wade misses the stumps at his end.
A slight halt in play. Mitchell Starc is changing his shoes.
Mitchell Starc to James Neesham, Swing and a miss! Length ball, wide outside off. Neesham misses his heave down the ground.
Mitchell Starc to Tim Seifert, A low full toss, wide outside off. Tim Seifert slices it to third man for one.
Mitchell Starc to Tim Seifert, Perfect yorker, outside off. Tim Seifert gets no bat on it. Wade fumbles and the batters think to steal a bye but decide against it as Wade is quick to recover.
Mitchell Starc to Tim Seifert, ! Poor day for Mitchell Starc continues! He goes for the yorker, but bowls a full one, down the leg side. Tim Seifert flicks it through backward square leg and the ball runs away to the fence.
Mitchell Starc will bowl the final over. He has not had the best of days so far with the ball.
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, NOT ! Length ball, wide outside off. Neesham hits it to wide long on. The fielder runs in and collects it. Neesham sprints back for the second as the throw comes in. Wade whips the bails off and the TV umpire is called. But Neesham puts in a stretch and gets back just in time.
Is that a run out? James Neesham is the man in question and the Aussies are quite confident. He is safe though! Neesham has his bat in!
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, Wide! Slower and shorter again. Angling across off. Neesham leaves it and the umpire stretches his arms to signal a wide.
Pat Cummins to Tim Seifert, Short of a length, outside off. Tim Seifert hits it firmly through extra cover for one.
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, Slower ball, short of a length, outside off. Neesham lines himself for a pull but the ball takes days to reach him. He ends up playing a mistimed pull towards mid-wicket and picks up a single.
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, ! BAM! Powerful stroke! Length ball, wide outside off. Neesham smacks it straight over the bowler's head for a maximum.
Pat Cummins to Tim Seifert, Slower and shorter, outside off. Cut away to deep point for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, ! CAUGHT! Josh Hazlewood gets the biggest fish of the night so far! Wonderful bowling by the tall pacer and he has been the pick of the bowlers for Aaron Finch! Slower ball, on a length around off. Kane Williamson comes down the track to go over long off but does not get the connection right. The ball goes straight to Steven Smith in the deep and he takes it with ease. A wonderful, wonderful knock by the Kiwi skipper ends. Had it not been for him, t
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, Length ball, outside off. Neesham cuts it to deep point for one. That brings up the 150 for the Kiwis.
Who will bowl the 19th over? Pat Cummins to continue.
Tim Seifert is slotted to come in next. Here he is.
Josh Hazlewood to James Neesham, Length ball, on the pads. Flicked past square leg for one. A stupendous 18th over by Josh Hazlewood, wickets of two set batsmen in it.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Glenn Phillips, ! TAKEN! Josh Hazlewood breaks the stand! Length ball, around off at 123 kph. Glenn Phillips shuffles across the stumps and heaves it across the line but does not middle his shot properly. The ball goes to the left of deep mid-wicket. Glenn Maxwell moves across swiftly and takes the catch safely.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Kane Williamson looks to punch but misses.
Who will New Zealand send now? Tim Seifert? James Neesham? Here comes the latter.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, ! Perfect, perfect execution! Length ball, outside off. Williamson shuffles across and then scoops it perfectly over short fine leg for a boundary.
Change. Josh Hazlewood (3-0-11-1)Â to bowl out.
Josh Hazlewood to Glenn Phillips, Length ball, around off. Glenn Phillips looks to play the reverse-batted shot but is beaten by the slowness of the delivery.
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Just 8 from the over then! Short of a length, wide outside off. Kane Williamson pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple. A wonderful over by Cummins. He has gone for just 14 runs in his 3 overs.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Another slower bouncer, on leg. Pulled to deep square leg for one. Pace off seems to be the key on this wicket.
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Length ball, slower in pace and way outside off. Kane Williamson gets the under-edge while looking to cut. The ball goes to the left of Wade. He dives to make the stop and the batters take one.
Change. Pat Cummins is back on. Can he stem the flow of runs?
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Slower bouncer, on leg. Glenn Phillips drags his pull past square leg for one.
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Slower ball, on a length, on off. Kane Williamson looks to punch but gets it from the inner half. The ball goes past Cummins and they take one.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Short of a length, on off. Glenn Phillips played a mistimed pull to deep mid-wicket for one.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Length ball, way outside off. Glenn Phillips gets no bat on it. Wide called.
Change!
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! Sublime batting by Kane Williamson! Mitchell Starc serves a length ball, outside off. Kane Williamson opens the face of his bat and plays it between backward point and short third man for a boundary. 22 runs from the over, the most expensive in the first innings of a T20 World Cup final.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! That is the most incredible stroke that he has played today! Length ball, outside off. Kane Williamson plays it inside out. He plays it very late so the ball goes behind the point fence and runs away.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, Starc goes 'round the wicket and bowls a full one, outside off. Kane Williamson gets no bat on it.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! What a strike that is! Kane Williamson is feasting on the Aussie bowlers now! Wow, this is incredible hitting! Starc goes fuller, on the pads. Williamson shuffles across and then whips it nicely over the square leg fence.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! Another lucky boundary for Kane Williamson! Fortune favouring the brave. Length ball, on middle, Kane looks to heave it away across the line but gets a top edge. The third man is inside the ring and the ball sails over that fielder to find the fence.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! A lucky boundary for Kane Williamson! Full ball, angling across him. He throws his bat at it but gets the outside edge. The ball flies past short third man and runs to the fence.
Change. Mitchell Starc (2-0-28-0) is back on.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Dot to finish the over and a brilliant spell by Zampa. He ends with figures of 4-0-26-1. Flatter ball, on leg, Glenn Phillips turns inside the crease to work it on the leg side but mistimes it near the surface. Wade is quick to pick the ball.Â
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, ! Another quality stroke from the bat of Glenn Phillips! Tossed up, wide outside off. He lifts it over covers and the ball runs away to the fence.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Loopy ball, on off. Kane Williamson works it to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Darted on the pads. Worked past mid-wicket for one.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Lovely delivery! Tossed up, outside off. Glenn Phillips looks to push it away but is beaten. Wade gathers it and there is an appeal for caught behind. But the umpire is unmoved. No review is taken. UltraEdge confirms that there was no bat on it.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, ! BOOM! The safest shot in cricket! Tossed up, on off. Glenn Phillips hits it straight back over Zampa for a maximum. Top shot there by Glenn Phillips. He might look to target this over.
Change of ends for Adam Zampa.Â
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Uppish but wide of the fielder! Slower ball, on a length, around off. Kane Williamson punches it aerially. The ball goes wide and over extra cover for a couple. A good over from Pat.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Well bowled. Slower and shorter, outside off. Glenn Phillips looks to pull but is way early into the stroke. The ball hits his body and rolls to short third man. A leg bye is taken.
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Similar line and length, Kane Williamson punches it to deep cover for one.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Short of a length, outside off. Glenn Phillips slashes it to deep point for one.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Another dot. Slower ball, on a length, around off. Glenn Phillips pushes it to covers.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Fuller ball, on off. Pushed to mid off.
Will Adam Zampa bowl out? Nope, Pat Cummins comes on.
Glenn Maxwell to Glenn Phillips, A single to end! Shorter and outside off, this is cut through point for one. 16 from the over, Glenn Maxwell has gone for 28 in his 3 and the one remaining over of the fifth bowler was bowled by Mitchell Marsh. So the Australian fifth bowling option has cost 0/39 in 4 overs.Â
Change. Glenn Maxwell (2-0-14-0) is back on.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, Kane Williamson misses out. It is a full toss, a dipping one. Williamson looks to lift it over the off side but this sneaks under the bat, Wade does not collect it and a run is taken. Bye.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, ! Fifty up for Williamson in style. This knock will be hurting Hazlewood the most as he had dropped Kane on 21. The Kiwi skipper is delivering when matters. This is tossed up on middle, Williamson plays the slog-sweep and it goes all the way over mid-wicket. It's into the crowd.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, ! That is a one-handed hit. Kane Williamson skips down the track. He does not quite get to the pitch of the ball but still goes ahead with the heave. His one hand comes off the handle but it is off the middle and sails over the fence at mid-wicket.
Glenn Maxwell to Glenn Phillips, Fuller and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, Too high probably and also pitched outside leg. Shorter and on the pads. Williamson looks to pull, he misses. It hits the pad and rolls towards short third man. A leg bye is taken. There was an appeal but turned down immediately. No review taken.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Just 5 and a wicket from the over. Loopy ball, around off. Pushed past covers for one.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Good running. Shorter ball, on the pads. Kane Williamson pulls it to the left of deep mid-wicket. Starc throws the ball in, but the batters take him on and get the second with ease.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Flatter ball, on the pads. Glenn Phillips works it towards deep backward square leg for a run.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Tossed up, wide outside off. Williamson works it to long on for one.
Who will New Zealand send in now? Glenn Phillips it is.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Loopy ball, around off. Blocked out.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, ! TAKEN! Adam Zampa delivers for Australia yet again! You cannot keep leggies out of this format! This is tossed up, around leg, Guptill has had plenty of time in the middle and decides to take Zampa on. He slog-sweeps it but doesn't hit it all that well. The ball goes to deep mid-wicket and Marcus Stoinis takes it just inside the rope. A big moment in the game as the 48-run stand has been broken.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, That is outstanding work in the field. Fuller and outside off, Williamson strokes it through covers. Stoinis runs to his right, it seems to be going away from him. He dives and saves two for his side. A couple from the freebie. End of a very big over for the Kiwis, 19 coming off it.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, NO BALL AND ! Is this the momentum-changing over? Three boundaries in a row. A high full toss on middle, Williamson pulls it over mid-wicket. In the gap for yet another boundary. Free Hit coming...
Drinks! A really good start for Australia as they have kept New Zealand at under 6 per over. But, it is also important to remember that the pitch seems to be quite slow. The plan from the Kiwis seems to be to keep wickets in hand and then launch once the time comes. When will that time come and which of these two batters will step on the gas? We will find out soon. Mitchell Starc (1-0-9-0) is back on.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! Timed beautifully! Fuller and on off, Williamson strokes it down the ground, through mid off. Consecutive boundaries.Â
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, AND ! Josh Hazlewood is the culprit. That should have been taken. It just bursts through his hands. This could prove costly and just the luck Williamson needed who is short of runs. Is this his day? He walks across, this is a full toss, it is whipped towards fine leg. Josh runs to his left, looks to take it over his head but it goes through his hands and trickles over the rope.
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, Fuller and on off, this is eased down to long off for one.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, Two! Fuller and on off, Williamson makes room. He jams it out wide of long off for two.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, From around the wicket, angles it into middle, it is worked down to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Another good over by Zampa. On off, Kane Williamson walks down the track and plays it through mid off for a single.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Now bowls the slider at 97 kph, outside off, Guptill pushes it and bags another single as it goes through covers.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Slows it up, lands it on off, Williamson strokes it through covers for one more.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for a single.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Fractionally short and on middle, this one stays low. Guptill looks to pull, it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.
Mitchell Marsh to Kane Williamson, A dot to end but the damage was done earlier on. A slower short one and on the body. Williamson looks to pull but misses. He gets hit on the body.
Mitchell Marsh to Kane Williamson, ! Consecutive boundaries and 50 up for New Zealand! Short and on middle, Williamson rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket. Boundary. This is a really good over for the Kiwis.
Mitchell Marsh to Kane Williamson, ! Up and over! First boundary after the 4th over, will that break the shackles? Williamson steps out. Marsh shortens the length a little outside off. Williamson lifts it over covers for a boundary.
Mitchell Marsh to Martin Guptill, Shorter and on middle, Guptill pulls it through mid-wicket for one.Â
Mitchell Marsh to Kane Williamson, Marsh rolls his fingers on the ball, it is on a length on off and pushed down to long off for one.
Change in bowling. Glenn Maxwell is back on. He went for 9 in his first over.
Mitchell Marsh to Martin Guptill, Just the single again! Fuller and on off, Guptill pushes it down to long off and gets to the other end.
Change. Mitchell Marsh comes on now.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, A dot to end! Just the three from the over. Fuller and on middle, this is played back to the bowler.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Another one slightly shorter and outside off, MG this time manages to push it through the gap at covers for one.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Guptill does not put that away. Shorter and outside off, this is pushed to covers.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Lovely! Drags his length back. A googly, it is pushed to covers.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Outside off, Williamson pushes it through covers for one. New Zealand dealing in singles.
Adam Zampa comes on now. Given the slowish nature of the surface so far, he will play a key role here.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Fuller and on off, Guptill strokes it down to long off and takes one.
Time for some spin as Glenn Maxwell comes on. He, Stoinis and Marsh will make the 5th bowler so the Kiwis will look to target them.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Australia continue to keep it tight. On middle, Guptill pushes it through mid on and gets to the other end.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, On middle, it is pushed to long on for just the one again.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Drags his length back and bowls it on middle, blocked.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, Another single as Williamson now works it down to long on.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Fuller and on middle, this is worked down to long on for one.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Aerial but safe! Back of a length, around off, stopping a bit again, Williamson plays a mistimed heave over the leg side. It falls in no man's land at deep mid-wicket and New Zealand get a couple of runs. At the end of the Powerplay, the Kiwis are 32/1.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Delivers it on a length and around off, Williamson steps back to make room but still finds the fielder at covers with his shot. Five dots.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Fuller and shaping back in from around off, Kane Williamson blocks it out to the off side.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Shortish and on off, Kane punches off the back foot but not in the gap, finds the extra cover fielder.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Back of a length around off, stopping a bit onto the batsman, Williamson tries to work it around on the leg side but it jumps extra and takes the upper half of his bat. He ends up pushing it back to the bowler.
Will Josh Hazlewood get one more over in the Powerplay? Yup, he will continue.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Nice delivery, on a length around off and straightening off the seam, Williamson tries to play straight but it takes the leading edge and goes to point.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, Around off, on a good length, Martin pokes inside the line and plays it a bit off the outer edge. The ball rolls to backward point. A good opening over from Pat Cummins.Â
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, A touch short and around off, Kane plays it with soft hands in front of square leg and picks up a run. The Kiwi skipper is off the mark.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, Pace off as it's a cross-seamer, around middle and leg, Guptill tickles it through square leg for a single.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, The batsman has just blocked that from his crease.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, This one is served a bit fuller and around off, Guptill pushes it off his front foot to covers.
Pat Cummins comes on now.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, Delivers it on a length and around off, Guptill plays late with an angled at but finds backward point.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, On a length, just outside off. Punched to covers. Just 5 and a big wicket from that over. Good two overs from Josh Hazlewood.
Kane Williamson walks out to bat.
Josh Hazlewood to Daryl Mitchell, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! The hero of the semi-final for New Zealand is done and dusted very early in the game. Hazlewood brings his class into play. Sticks to his line around off, it's a bit short and he has run his fingers on the side of the ball. A 131 kph delivery reaches the batsman a bit late and Daryl Mitchell is shaping up to guide it down to third man by stepping back slightly. The ball though takes the outside edge and Matthew Wade dives forward to
Josh Hazlewood to Daryl Mitchell, Another dot. Short of a length, but the punch by Mitchell goes straight towards cover. Josh Hazlewood is bowling really well here.
Josh Hazlewood to Daryl Mitchell, On a length, on off. Daryl Mitchell punches it to cover. Dot ball.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, Full one, on the pads. Guptill flicks it to deep square leg and crosses over.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, ! Top stroke! Josh Hazlewood serves a length ball, just outside off. Guptill stands up tall and punches it through covers for a boundary.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Is that a dropped catch? Flatter again, short and outside off, Guptill tries to cut but fails to middle it. Wade is unable to gather the ball. The replays detect an inside edge. Big miss.
Glenn Maxwell to Daryl Mitchell, ! Stand and delivery! They would look to attack Maxwell.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Leg bye.
Glenn Maxwell to Daryl Mitchell, Shortish and on middle, Mitchell gets back and tucks it through square leg for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Quicker and on middle, it's eased down to long on for a single.
Glenn Maxwell to Daryl Mitchell, Flatter and shorter on middle, helped behind square leg for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, Back on the money, around off and on a length, Guptill gets forward and pushes it to covers. Excellent first over from Josh Hazlewood!Â
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, ! Guptill ends the dry spell of four balls. Short in length and around middle, at 138 kph, Guptill gets on top of the bounce and pulls it to fine leg. The fielder in the deep is very, very square and the ball runs away to the fence.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, Shortish and around off, Guptill punches it from the back foot to covers where Mitchell Marsh makes a diving stop to his left. Good energy.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, A hint of movement around off but the ball is not zipping through off the surface, Guptill stays on the back foot and helps it to mid-wicket.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, A touch short and on off, at 142 clicks, Guptill eases himself on the back foot and pushes it to mid off.
Josh Hazlewood set to steam in.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, On the money is Josh Hazlewood. Serves it on a good length around off, not offering much room, Guptill gets back and plays it down to mid-wicket.Â
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, Edgy! Back of a length, around off and angling away, Martin Guptill stays back to push inside the line and edges it down to third man for a run. 9 from the first over of the final.
Mitchell Starc to Daryl Mitchell, Starc goes leg side on this occasion. It's been a poor start from the speedster. On a good length and around leg, Daryl Mitchell uses his wrists and works it through backward square leg. Josh Hazlewood gives the chase to his left from fine leg and puts in a dive to stop the ball. He then back-flicks it in the direction of the square leg fielder inside the ring and that allows the batsmen time to pick the third run.
Mitchell Starc to Daryl Mitchell, Better line and length from Starc. He delivers it around middle and leg, Mitchell pushes it down the ground with a straight bat but finds mid on.Â
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, Once again there is a little bit of width available outside off, no movement whatsoever for Starc, Guptill throws his bat at it and steers it down to the right of third man for a single.
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, ! Leaves the first ball and smashes the second one. That's Guptill for you. It's slightly short and in the zone outside off, Martin stands tall inside the crease and slaps it through the gap at point for a boundary, first of the final.
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, Starc begins by hurling a full delivery across the right-hander, it's outside off and further angling away, Martin Guptill makes a watchful leave.
Done with the pre-match formalities. Aaron Finch has his team in a huddle and then leads Australia out on the field. Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell stride out to bat for New Zealand. Mitchell Starc will steam in with the new ball. But first, both the teams take the knee to support the Black Lives Matter movement. Here we go for the final time. Game on!
We are set for the finale! Both the teams and match officials walk out on the field for the national anthems for the final time. First, the anthem of Australia will be played followed by that of New Zealand.
Trent Boult is down for a chat. The Kiwi speedster says that they are looking forward to taking on the Aussies and they hope to keep adding to the trophy cabinet. Feels that bowling with the new ball is quite important and taking early wickets is the key. Further adds that missing Conway is a huge loss but that allows someone else to step up and perform.
Kane Williamson, the skipper of New Zealand, says that they would have bowled first as well. Says that they now need to focus on their task on hand. Informs that Tim Seifert comes in for Devon Conway and adds that Conway is a big loss. Finishes by saying that they do not want to look too far ahead and just do what they have done well so far.
Aaron Finch, the captain of Australia, says it seems a dry surface, it might skid with the new ball and then slow up. Informs they are playing the same XI. Adds they did well to hang in there in the last game and that win gave them a lot of confidence. Praises Adam Zampa and hopes that his form continues. Mentions history does not matter, it is a new game, a new competition and they are looking forward to doing well.
New Zealand (Playing XI) - Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (C), Tim Seifert (WK) (In for Devon Conway), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.
Australia (Unchanged Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Toss - Aaron Finch and Kane Williamson are in the middle. Both shake hands and share a smile. Looking very relaxed. Up goes the coin, Finch calls Heads and it's Heads. AUSTRALIA ELECT TO FIELD!
... FINALE TIME ...
David Warner comes up for a little chat. The Aussie opener says that there is a lot of confidence in their team and as a collective unit, it is going to be all about producing the goods with both bat and ball. Adds that for him, it is about going out there and trying to put his team in a good position. Tells that the trend here in the Powerplay is about minimizing the damage and they will look to do that.
PITCH REPORT - Shane Watson says that the wicket is quite dry with no real live grass. The Aussie feels that the middle overs with the spinners are going to be crucial. Watson further adds that it should be a good pitch for batting, although it could be a bit two-paced. So the toss will be quite interesting as batting first might be an advantage.
The 'nice guys' of world cricket, New Zealand, surprisingly tend to find the tag of 'underdogs' attached to them at the start of many major ICC tournaments. But their performance paints a different picture altogether. Since 2011, they have reached the semi-finals of all the ODI World Cups and reached the finals twice. Their performance in the T20 World Cup hasn't been all that great, but given their talent, it is no surprise that they are here in the finale. The last time the Kiwis played in a
Win the toss, win the trophy? Well, that statement may sound unfair but that's the truth. Dubai has favoured the chasing teams in this edition of the T20 World Cup. In the 12 games played here so far, only once a team has defended a score. But, in the night games, no team has defended a score yet. Dew usually has played a major role but in the last semi-final, there wasn't much dew. Still, toss is going to be very critical as the captain winning it would prefer chasing.
The Australian team is a powerhouse of cricketing talent. They have won more ODI World Cups than any other team and had probably the strongest Test teams back in the day. But somehow, the T20 format is not the one where they have excelled. Their best performance in the T20 World Cup came back in 2010 when they reached the final but then lost against England. Given the quality of cricketers in Australia, their performance in previous editions of the competition was always a surprise. But that c
Group stage - done. Super 12s - done. Two exciting semi-finals -Â done. Now, the next 40 overs will see a new team lift the T20 World Cup trophy. It is the trans-Tasman rivalry between New Zealand and Australia and one of these teams will be crowned the World Champions. We are more than excited and surely, you all are too for what promises to be an exciting finale. With that, a very warm welcome to our coverage and thank you for joining us.
Right then, Australia need 173 runs to win their first T20 World Cup title. The pressure is going to be immense on their batters on this challenging surface and the first 6 overs are going to be very critical. Dew could be a factor later on.
Glenn Philips, who was involved in a crucial momentum-shifting 68-run stand with Kane Williamson, comes up for a chat. Says that the wicket is a bit slower and it's a challenge to bat against the off-paced deliveries. Feels that Kane Williamson's attack on Mitchell Starc turned the match around for them a bit. Finishes by hoping that they can execute their plans well in the field.
It's yet another demanding surface of Dubai and New Zealand planned to preserve the wickets. The Powerplay was very quiet as they managed only 32 runs for the loss of Daryl Mitchell. The going remained slow in the middle overs with Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill forming a partnership. The pair concentrated more on rotating the strike and also found boundaries whenever loose deliveries were served to them.
As far as Australian bowling is concerned, you will have to see it in parts. Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa, three out of Australia's four main bowlers were brilliant in their spells but Mitchell Starc had an off day as he went for plenty of runs. Also, the quota of the fifth bowler was bowled by Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh and they went for 39 runs in 4. Not to forget the dropped catch of Kane Williamson on 21 by Hazlewood and that proved to be too costly for the Aussies.
At the halfway mark, New Zealand were 57/1 and after getting life in the 11th over, Kane Williamson took Mitchell Starc to the cleaners. Just when we sensed a momentum shift, Adam Zampa broke the 48-run stand by sending Martin Guptill back to the pavilion. That though didn't deter Kane Williamson as he continued launching a stunning attack. The Kiwi skipper announced his arrival to form at the biggest stage and played a gem of a knock. He scored a 48-ball 85, the most by a captain in the final o
A much-better final over from Mitchell Starc but the damage was already done. New Zealand will be thrilled with the way they batted in the second half. They managed to amass 115 runs in the last 10 overs and posted a daunting total on the board.
Mitchell Starc to James Neesham, Two to finish! A low full toss, on off. Neesham hits it to long off. They set off for the second. The throw comes to Starc, he throws it to Wade, but both the batters are safe! New Zealand end at 172 for 4!
Mitchell Starc to Tim Seifert, Yorker, on the pads. Tim Seifert works it to deep mid-wicket. The fielder runs in and keeps it to one. Final ball of the first innings coming up.
Mitchell Starc to James Neesham, TWO WIDES! Sprays it full and down the leg side. Neesham misses the flick. Wade has to dive to stop the ball and the batters set off for a bye. The throw comes in but Wade misses the stumps at his end.
A slight halt in play. Mitchell Starc is changing his shoes.
Mitchell Starc to James Neesham, Swing and a miss! Length ball, wide outside off. Neesham misses his heave down the ground.
Mitchell Starc to Tim Seifert, A low full toss, wide outside off. Tim Seifert slices it to third man for one.
Mitchell Starc to Tim Seifert, Perfect yorker, outside off. Tim Seifert gets no bat on it. Wade fumbles and the batters think to steal a bye but decide against it as Wade is quick to recover.
Mitchell Starc to Tim Seifert, ! Poor day for Mitchell Starc continues! He goes for the yorker, but bowls a full one, down the leg side. Tim Seifert flicks it through backward square leg and the ball runs away to the fence.
Mitchell Starc will bowl the final over. He has not had the best of days so far with the ball.
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, NOT ! Length ball, wide outside off. Neesham hits it to wide long on. The fielder runs in and collects it. Neesham sprints back for the second as the throw comes in. Wade whips the bails off and the TV umpire is called. But Neesham puts in a stretch and gets back just in time.
Is that a run out? James Neesham is the man in question and the Aussies are quite confident. He is safe though! Neesham has his bat in!
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, Wide! Slower and shorter again. Angling across off. Neesham leaves it and the umpire stretches his arms to signal a wide.
Pat Cummins to Tim Seifert, Short of a length, outside off. Tim Seifert hits it firmly through extra cover for one.
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, Slower ball, short of a length, outside off. Neesham lines himself for a pull but the ball takes days to reach him. He ends up playing a mistimed pull towards mid-wicket and picks up a single.
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, ! BAM! Powerful stroke! Length ball, wide outside off. Neesham smacks it straight over the bowler's head for a maximum.
Pat Cummins to Tim Seifert, Slower and shorter, outside off. Cut away to deep point for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, ! CAUGHT! Josh Hazlewood gets the biggest fish of the night so far! Wonderful bowling by the tall pacer and he has been the pick of the bowlers for Aaron Finch! Slower ball, on a length around off. Kane Williamson comes down the track to go over long off but does not get the connection right. The ball goes straight to Steven Smith in the deep and he takes it with ease. A wonderful, wonderful knock by the Kiwi skipper ends. Had it not been for him, t
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, Length ball, outside off. Neesham cuts it to deep point for one. That brings up the 150 for the Kiwis.
Who will bowl the 19th over? Pat Cummins to continue.
Tim Seifert is slotted to come in next. Here he is.
Josh Hazlewood to James Neesham, Length ball, on the pads. Flicked past square leg for one. A stupendous 18th over by Josh Hazlewood, wickets of two set batsmen in it.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Glenn Phillips, ! TAKEN! Josh Hazlewood breaks the stand! Length ball, around off at 123 kph. Glenn Phillips shuffles across the stumps and heaves it across the line but does not middle his shot properly. The ball goes to the left of deep mid-wicket. Glenn Maxwell moves across swiftly and takes the catch safely.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Kane Williamson looks to punch but misses.
Who will New Zealand send now? Tim Seifert? James Neesham? Here comes the latter.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, ! Perfect, perfect execution! Length ball, outside off. Williamson shuffles across and then scoops it perfectly over short fine leg for a boundary.
Change. Josh Hazlewood (3-0-11-1)Â to bowl out.
Josh Hazlewood to Glenn Phillips, Length ball, around off. Glenn Phillips looks to play the reverse-batted shot but is beaten by the slowness of the delivery.
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Just 8 from the over then! Short of a length, wide outside off. Kane Williamson pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple. A wonderful over by Cummins. He has gone for just 14 runs in his 3 overs.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Another slower bouncer, on leg. Pulled to deep square leg for one. Pace off seems to be the key on this wicket.
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Length ball, slower in pace and way outside off. Kane Williamson gets the under-edge while looking to cut. The ball goes to the left of Wade. He dives to make the stop and the batters take one.
Change. Pat Cummins is back on. Can he stem the flow of runs?
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Slower bouncer, on leg. Glenn Phillips drags his pull past square leg for one.
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Slower ball, on a length, on off. Kane Williamson looks to punch but gets it from the inner half. The ball goes past Cummins and they take one.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Short of a length, on off. Glenn Phillips played a mistimed pull to deep mid-wicket for one.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Length ball, way outside off. Glenn Phillips gets no bat on it. Wide called.
Change!
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! Sublime batting by Kane Williamson! Mitchell Starc serves a length ball, outside off. Kane Williamson opens the face of his bat and plays it between backward point and short third man for a boundary. 22 runs from the over, the most expensive in the first innings of a T20 World Cup final.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! That is the most incredible stroke that he has played today! Length ball, outside off. Kane Williamson plays it inside out. He plays it very late so the ball goes behind the point fence and runs away.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, Starc goes 'round the wicket and bowls a full one, outside off. Kane Williamson gets no bat on it.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! What a strike that is! Kane Williamson is feasting on the Aussie bowlers now! Wow, this is incredible hitting! Starc goes fuller, on the pads. Williamson shuffles across and then whips it nicely over the square leg fence.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! Another lucky boundary for Kane Williamson! Fortune favouring the brave. Length ball, on middle, Kane looks to heave it away across the line but gets a top edge. The third man is inside the ring and the ball sails over that fielder to find the fence.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! A lucky boundary for Kane Williamson! Full ball, angling across him. He throws his bat at it but gets the outside edge. The ball flies past short third man and runs to the fence.
Change. Mitchell Starc (2-0-28-0) is back on.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Dot to finish the over and a brilliant spell by Zampa. He ends with figures of 4-0-26-1. Flatter ball, on leg, Glenn Phillips turns inside the crease to work it on the leg side but mistimes it near the surface. Wade is quick to pick the ball.Â
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, ! Another quality stroke from the bat of Glenn Phillips! Tossed up, wide outside off. He lifts it over covers and the ball runs away to the fence.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Loopy ball, on off. Kane Williamson works it to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Darted on the pads. Worked past mid-wicket for one.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Lovely delivery! Tossed up, outside off. Glenn Phillips looks to push it away but is beaten. Wade gathers it and there is an appeal for caught behind. But the umpire is unmoved. No review is taken. UltraEdge confirms that there was no bat on it.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, ! BOOM! The safest shot in cricket! Tossed up, on off. Glenn Phillips hits it straight back over Zampa for a maximum. Top shot there by Glenn Phillips. He might look to target this over.
Change of ends for Adam Zampa.Â
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Uppish but wide of the fielder! Slower ball, on a length, around off. Kane Williamson punches it aerially. The ball goes wide and over extra cover for a couple. A good over from Pat.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Well bowled. Slower and shorter, outside off. Glenn Phillips looks to pull but is way early into the stroke. The ball hits his body and rolls to short third man. A leg bye is taken.
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Similar line and length, Kane Williamson punches it to deep cover for one.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Short of a length, outside off. Glenn Phillips slashes it to deep point for one.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Another dot. Slower ball, on a length, around off. Glenn Phillips pushes it to covers.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Fuller ball, on off. Pushed to mid off.
Will Adam Zampa bowl out? Nope, Pat Cummins comes on.
Glenn Maxwell to Glenn Phillips, A single to end! Shorter and outside off, this is cut through point for one. 16 from the over, Glenn Maxwell has gone for 28 in his 3 and the one remaining over of the fifth bowler was bowled by Mitchell Marsh. So the Australian fifth bowling option has cost 0/39 in 4 overs.Â
Change. Glenn Maxwell (2-0-14-0) is back on.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, Kane Williamson misses out. It is a full toss, a dipping one. Williamson looks to lift it over the off side but this sneaks under the bat, Wade does not collect it and a run is taken. Bye.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, ! Fifty up for Williamson in style. This knock will be hurting Hazlewood the most as he had dropped Kane on 21. The Kiwi skipper is delivering when matters. This is tossed up on middle, Williamson plays the slog-sweep and it goes all the way over mid-wicket. It's into the crowd.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, ! That is a one-handed hit. Kane Williamson skips down the track. He does not quite get to the pitch of the ball but still goes ahead with the heave. His one hand comes off the handle but it is off the middle and sails over the fence at mid-wicket.
Glenn Maxwell to Glenn Phillips, Fuller and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, Too high probably and also pitched outside leg. Shorter and on the pads. Williamson looks to pull, he misses. It hits the pad and rolls towards short third man. A leg bye is taken. There was an appeal but turned down immediately. No review taken.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Just 5 and a wicket from the over. Loopy ball, around off. Pushed past covers for one.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Good running. Shorter ball, on the pads. Kane Williamson pulls it to the left of deep mid-wicket. Starc throws the ball in, but the batters take him on and get the second with ease.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Flatter ball, on the pads. Glenn Phillips works it towards deep backward square leg for a run.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Tossed up, wide outside off. Williamson works it to long on for one.
Who will New Zealand send in now? Glenn Phillips it is.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Loopy ball, around off. Blocked out.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, ! TAKEN! Adam Zampa delivers for Australia yet again! You cannot keep leggies out of this format! This is tossed up, around leg, Guptill has had plenty of time in the middle and decides to take Zampa on. He slog-sweeps it but doesn't hit it all that well. The ball goes to deep mid-wicket and Marcus Stoinis takes it just inside the rope. A big moment in the game as the 48-run stand has been broken.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, That is outstanding work in the field. Fuller and outside off, Williamson strokes it through covers. Stoinis runs to his right, it seems to be going away from him. He dives and saves two for his side. A couple from the freebie. End of a very big over for the Kiwis, 19 coming off it.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, NO BALL AND ! Is this the momentum-changing over? Three boundaries in a row. A high full toss on middle, Williamson pulls it over mid-wicket. In the gap for yet another boundary. Free Hit coming...
Drinks! A really good start for Australia as they have kept New Zealand at under 6 per over. But, it is also important to remember that the pitch seems to be quite slow. The plan from the Kiwis seems to be to keep wickets in hand and then launch once the time comes. When will that time come and which of these two batters will step on the gas? We will find out soon. Mitchell Starc (1-0-9-0) is back on.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! Timed beautifully! Fuller and on off, Williamson strokes it down the ground, through mid off. Consecutive boundaries.Â
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, AND ! Josh Hazlewood is the culprit. That should have been taken. It just bursts through his hands. This could prove costly and just the luck Williamson needed who is short of runs. Is this his day? He walks across, this is a full toss, it is whipped towards fine leg. Josh runs to his left, looks to take it over his head but it goes through his hands and trickles over the rope.
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, Fuller and on off, this is eased down to long off for one.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, Two! Fuller and on off, Williamson makes room. He jams it out wide of long off for two.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, From around the wicket, angles it into middle, it is worked down to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Another good over by Zampa. On off, Kane Williamson walks down the track and plays it through mid off for a single.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Now bowls the slider at 97 kph, outside off, Guptill pushes it and bags another single as it goes through covers.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Slows it up, lands it on off, Williamson strokes it through covers for one more.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for a single.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Fractionally short and on middle, this one stays low. Guptill looks to pull, it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.
Mitchell Marsh to Kane Williamson, A dot to end but the damage was done earlier on. A slower short one and on the body. Williamson looks to pull but misses. He gets hit on the body.
Mitchell Marsh to Kane Williamson, ! Consecutive boundaries and 50 up for New Zealand! Short and on middle, Williamson rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket. Boundary. This is a really good over for the Kiwis.
Mitchell Marsh to Kane Williamson, ! Up and over! First boundary after the 4th over, will that break the shackles? Williamson steps out. Marsh shortens the length a little outside off. Williamson lifts it over covers for a boundary.
Mitchell Marsh to Martin Guptill, Shorter and on middle, Guptill pulls it through mid-wicket for one.Â
Mitchell Marsh to Kane Williamson, Marsh rolls his fingers on the ball, it is on a length on off and pushed down to long off for one.
Change in bowling. Glenn Maxwell is back on. He went for 9 in his first over.
Mitchell Marsh to Martin Guptill, Just the single again! Fuller and on off, Guptill pushes it down to long off and gets to the other end.
Change. Mitchell Marsh comes on now.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, A dot to end! Just the three from the over. Fuller and on middle, this is played back to the bowler.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Another one slightly shorter and outside off, MG this time manages to push it through the gap at covers for one.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Guptill does not put that away. Shorter and outside off, this is pushed to covers.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Lovely! Drags his length back. A googly, it is pushed to covers.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Outside off, Williamson pushes it through covers for one. New Zealand dealing in singles.
Adam Zampa comes on now. Given the slowish nature of the surface so far, he will play a key role here.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Fuller and on off, Guptill strokes it down to long off and takes one.
Time for some spin as Glenn Maxwell comes on. He, Stoinis and Marsh will make the 5th bowler so the Kiwis will look to target them.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Australia continue to keep it tight. On middle, Guptill pushes it through mid on and gets to the other end.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, On middle, it is pushed to long on for just the one again.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Drags his length back and bowls it on middle, blocked.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, Another single as Williamson now works it down to long on.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Fuller and on middle, this is worked down to long on for one.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Aerial but safe! Back of a length, around off, stopping a bit again, Williamson plays a mistimed heave over the leg side. It falls in no man's land at deep mid-wicket and New Zealand get a couple of runs. At the end of the Powerplay, the Kiwis are 32/1.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Delivers it on a length and around off, Williamson steps back to make room but still finds the fielder at covers with his shot. Five dots.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Fuller and shaping back in from around off, Kane Williamson blocks it out to the off side.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Shortish and on off, Kane punches off the back foot but not in the gap, finds the extra cover fielder.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Back of a length around off, stopping a bit onto the batsman, Williamson tries to work it around on the leg side but it jumps extra and takes the upper half of his bat. He ends up pushing it back to the bowler.
Will Josh Hazlewood get one more over in the Powerplay? Yup, he will continue.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Nice delivery, on a length around off and straightening off the seam, Williamson tries to play straight but it takes the leading edge and goes to point.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, Around off, on a good length, Martin pokes inside the line and plays it a bit off the outer edge. The ball rolls to backward point. A good opening over from Pat Cummins.Â
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, A touch short and around off, Kane plays it with soft hands in front of square leg and picks up a run. The Kiwi skipper is off the mark.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, Pace off as it's a cross-seamer, around middle and leg, Guptill tickles it through square leg for a single.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, The batsman has just blocked that from his crease.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, This one is served a bit fuller and around off, Guptill pushes it off his front foot to covers.
Pat Cummins comes on now.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, Delivers it on a length and around off, Guptill plays late with an angled at but finds backward point.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, On a length, just outside off. Punched to covers. Just 5 and a big wicket from that over. Good two overs from Josh Hazlewood.
Kane Williamson walks out to bat.
Josh Hazlewood to Daryl Mitchell, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! The hero of the semi-final for New Zealand is done and dusted very early in the game. Hazlewood brings his class into play. Sticks to his line around off, it's a bit short and he has run his fingers on the side of the ball. A 131 kph delivery reaches the batsman a bit late and Daryl Mitchell is shaping up to guide it down to third man by stepping back slightly. The ball though takes the outside edge and Matthew Wade dives forward to
Josh Hazlewood to Daryl Mitchell, Another dot. Short of a length, but the punch by Mitchell goes straight towards cover. Josh Hazlewood is bowling really well here.
Josh Hazlewood to Daryl Mitchell, On a length, on off. Daryl Mitchell punches it to cover. Dot ball.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, Full one, on the pads. Guptill flicks it to deep square leg and crosses over.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, ! Top stroke! Josh Hazlewood serves a length ball, just outside off. Guptill stands up tall and punches it through covers for a boundary.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Is that a dropped catch? Flatter again, short and outside off, Guptill tries to cut but fails to middle it. Wade is unable to gather the ball. The replays detect an inside edge. Big miss.
Glenn Maxwell to Daryl Mitchell, ! Stand and delivery! They would look to attack Maxwell.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Leg bye.
Glenn Maxwell to Daryl Mitchell, Shortish and on middle, Mitchell gets back and tucks it through square leg for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Quicker and on middle, it's eased down to long on for a single.
Glenn Maxwell to Daryl Mitchell, Flatter and shorter on middle, helped behind square leg for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, Back on the money, around off and on a length, Guptill gets forward and pushes it to covers. Excellent first over from Josh Hazlewood!Â
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, ! Guptill ends the dry spell of four balls. Short in length and around middle, at 138 kph, Guptill gets on top of the bounce and pulls it to fine leg. The fielder in the deep is very, very square and the ball runs away to the fence.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, Shortish and around off, Guptill punches it from the back foot to covers where Mitchell Marsh makes a diving stop to his left. Good energy.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, A hint of movement around off but the ball is not zipping through off the surface, Guptill stays on the back foot and helps it to mid-wicket.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, A touch short and on off, at 142 clicks, Guptill eases himself on the back foot and pushes it to mid off.
Josh Hazlewood set to steam in.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, On the money is Josh Hazlewood. Serves it on a good length around off, not offering much room, Guptill gets back and plays it down to mid-wicket.Â
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, Edgy! Back of a length, around off and angling away, Martin Guptill stays back to push inside the line and edges it down to third man for a run. 9 from the first over of the final.
Mitchell Starc to Daryl Mitchell, Starc goes leg side on this occasion. It's been a poor start from the speedster. On a good length and around leg, Daryl Mitchell uses his wrists and works it through backward square leg. Josh Hazlewood gives the chase to his left from fine leg and puts in a dive to stop the ball. He then back-flicks it in the direction of the square leg fielder inside the ring and that allows the batsmen time to pick the third run.
Mitchell Starc to Daryl Mitchell, Better line and length from Starc. He delivers it around middle and leg, Mitchell pushes it down the ground with a straight bat but finds mid on.Â
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, Once again there is a little bit of width available outside off, no movement whatsoever for Starc, Guptill throws his bat at it and steers it down to the right of third man for a single.
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, ! Leaves the first ball and smashes the second one. That's Guptill for you. It's slightly short and in the zone outside off, Martin stands tall inside the crease and slaps it through the gap at point for a boundary, first of the final.
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, Starc begins by hurling a full delivery across the right-hander, it's outside off and further angling away, Martin Guptill makes a watchful leave.
Done with the pre-match formalities. Aaron Finch has his team in a huddle and then leads Australia out on the field. Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell stride out to bat for New Zealand. Mitchell Starc will steam in with the new ball. But first, both the teams take the knee to support the Black Lives Matter movement. Here we go for the final time. Game on!
We are set for the finale! Both the teams and match officials walk out on the field for the national anthems for the final time. First, the anthem of Australia will be played followed by that of New Zealand.
Trent Boult is down for a chat. The Kiwi speedster says that they are looking forward to taking on the Aussies and they hope to keep adding to the trophy cabinet. Feels that bowling with the new ball is quite important and taking early wickets is the key. Further adds that missing Conway is a huge loss but that allows someone else to step up and perform.
Kane Williamson, the skipper of New Zealand, says that they would have bowled first as well. Says that they now need to focus on their task on hand. Informs that Tim Seifert comes in for Devon Conway and adds that Conway is a big loss. Finishes by saying that they do not want to look too far ahead and just do what they have done well so far.
Aaron Finch, the captain of Australia, says it seems a dry surface, it might skid with the new ball and then slow up. Informs they are playing the same XI. Adds they did well to hang in there in the last game and that win gave them a lot of confidence. Praises Adam Zampa and hopes that his form continues. Mentions history does not matter, it is a new game, a new competition and they are looking forward to doing well.
New Zealand (Playing XI) - Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (C), Tim Seifert (WK) (In for Devon Conway), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.
Australia (Unchanged Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Toss - Aaron Finch and Kane Williamson are in the middle. Both shake hands and share a smile. Looking very relaxed. Up goes the coin, Finch calls Heads and it's Heads. AUSTRALIA ELECT TO FIELD!
... FINALE TIME ...
David Warner comes up for a little chat. The Aussie opener says that there is a lot of confidence in their team and as a collective unit, it is going to be all about producing the goods with both bat and ball. Adds that for him, it is about going out there and trying to put his team in a good position. Tells that the trend here in the Powerplay is about minimizing the damage and they will look to do that.
PITCH REPORT - Shane Watson says that the wicket is quite dry with no real live grass. The Aussie feels that the middle overs with the spinners are going to be crucial. Watson further adds that it should be a good pitch for batting, although it could be a bit two-paced. So the toss will be quite interesting as batting first might be an advantage.
The 'nice guys' of world cricket, New Zealand, surprisingly tend to find the tag of 'underdogs' attached to them at the start of many major ICC tournaments. But their performance paints a different picture altogether. Since 2011, they have reached the semi-finals of all the ODI World Cups and reached the finals twice. Their performance in the T20 World Cup hasn't been all that great, but given their talent, it is no surprise that they are here in the finale. The last time the Kiwis played in a
Win the toss, win the trophy? Well, that statement may sound unfair but that's the truth. Dubai has favoured the chasing teams in this edition of the T20 World Cup. In the 12 games played here so far, only once a team has defended a score. But, in the night games, no team has defended a score yet. Dew usually has played a major role but in the last semi-final, there wasn't much dew. Still, toss is going to be very critical as the captain winning it would prefer chasing.
The Australian team is a powerhouse of cricketing talent. They have won more ODI World Cups than any other team and had probably the strongest Test teams back in the day. But somehow, the T20 format is not the one where they have excelled. Their best performance in the T20 World Cup came back in 2010 when they reached the final but then lost against England. Given the quality of cricketers in Australia, their performance in previous editions of the competition was always a surprise. But that c
Group stage - done. Super 12s - done. Two exciting semi-finals -Â done. Now, the next 40 overs will see a new team lift the T20 World Cup trophy. It is the trans-Tasman rivalry between New Zealand and Australia and one of these teams will be crowned the World Champions. We are more than excited and surely, you all are too for what promises to be an exciting finale. With that, a very warm welcome to our coverage and thank you for joining us.
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Australia
173/2(18.5 Overs)
Right then, Australia need 173 runs to win their first T20 World Cup title. The pressure is going to be immense on their batters on this challenging surface and the first 6 overs are going to be very critical. Dew could be a factor later on.
Glenn Philips, who was involved in a crucial momentum-shifting 68-run stand with Kane Williamson, comes up for a chat. Says that the wicket is a bit slower and it's a challenge to bat against the off-paced deliveries. Feels that Kane Williamson's attack on Mitchell Starc turned the match around for them a bit. Finishes by hoping that they can execute their plans well in the field.
It's yet another demanding surface of Dubai and New Zealand planned to preserve the wickets. The Powerplay was very quiet as they managed only 32 runs for the loss of Daryl Mitchell. The going remained slow in the middle overs with Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill forming a partnership. The pair concentrated more on rotating the strike and also found boundaries whenever loose deliveries were served to them.
As far as Australian bowling is concerned, you will have to see it in parts. Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa, three out of Australia's four main bowlers were brilliant in their spells but Mitchell Starc had an off day as he went for plenty of runs. Also, the quota of the fifth bowler was bowled by Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh and they went for 39 runs in 4. Not to forget the dropped catch of Kane Williamson on 21 by Hazlewood and that proved to be too costly for the Aussies.
At the halfway mark, New Zealand were 57/1 and after getting life in the 11th over, Kane Williamson took Mitchell Starc to the cleaners. Just when we sensed a momentum shift, Adam Zampa broke the 48-run stand by sending Martin Guptill back to the pavilion. That though didn't deter Kane Williamson as he continued launching a stunning attack. The Kiwi skipper announced his arrival to form at the biggest stage and played a gem of a knock. He scored a 48-ball 85, the most by a captain in the final o
A much-better final over from Mitchell Starc but the damage was already done. New Zealand will be thrilled with the way they batted in the second half. They managed to amass 115 runs in the last 10 overs and posted a daunting total on the board.
Mitchell Starc to James Neesham, Two to finish! A low full toss, on off. Neesham hits it to long off. They set off for the second. The throw comes to Starc, he throws it to Wade, but both the batters are safe! New Zealand end at 172 for 4!
Mitchell Starc to Tim Seifert, Yorker, on the pads. Tim Seifert works it to deep mid-wicket. The fielder runs in and keeps it to one. Final ball of the first innings coming up.
Mitchell Starc to James Neesham, TWO WIDES! Sprays it full and down the leg side. Neesham misses the flick. Wade has to dive to stop the ball and the batters set off for a bye. The throw comes in but Wade misses the stumps at his end.
A slight halt in play. Mitchell Starc is changing his shoes.
Mitchell Starc to James Neesham, Swing and a miss! Length ball, wide outside off. Neesham misses his heave down the ground.
Mitchell Starc to Tim Seifert, A low full toss, wide outside off. Tim Seifert slices it to third man for one.
Mitchell Starc to Tim Seifert, Perfect yorker, outside off. Tim Seifert gets no bat on it. Wade fumbles and the batters think to steal a bye but decide against it as Wade is quick to recover.
Mitchell Starc to Tim Seifert, ! Poor day for Mitchell Starc continues! He goes for the yorker, but bowls a full one, down the leg side. Tim Seifert flicks it through backward square leg and the ball runs away to the fence.
Mitchell Starc will bowl the final over. He has not had the best of days so far with the ball.
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, NOT ! Length ball, wide outside off. Neesham hits it to wide long on. The fielder runs in and collects it. Neesham sprints back for the second as the throw comes in. Wade whips the bails off and the TV umpire is called. But Neesham puts in a stretch and gets back just in time.
Is that a run out? James Neesham is the man in question and the Aussies are quite confident. He is safe though! Neesham has his bat in!
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, Wide! Slower and shorter again. Angling across off. Neesham leaves it and the umpire stretches his arms to signal a wide.
Pat Cummins to Tim Seifert, Short of a length, outside off. Tim Seifert hits it firmly through extra cover for one.
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, Slower ball, short of a length, outside off. Neesham lines himself for a pull but the ball takes days to reach him. He ends up playing a mistimed pull towards mid-wicket and picks up a single.
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, ! BAM! Powerful stroke! Length ball, wide outside off. Neesham smacks it straight over the bowler's head for a maximum.
Pat Cummins to Tim Seifert, Slower and shorter, outside off. Cut away to deep point for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, ! CAUGHT! Josh Hazlewood gets the biggest fish of the night so far! Wonderful bowling by the tall pacer and he has been the pick of the bowlers for Aaron Finch! Slower ball, on a length around off. Kane Williamson comes down the track to go over long off but does not get the connection right. The ball goes straight to Steven Smith in the deep and he takes it with ease. A wonderful, wonderful knock by the Kiwi skipper ends. Had it not been for him, t
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, Length ball, outside off. Neesham cuts it to deep point for one. That brings up the 150 for the Kiwis.
Who will bowl the 19th over? Pat Cummins to continue.
Tim Seifert is slotted to come in next. Here he is.
Josh Hazlewood to James Neesham, Length ball, on the pads. Flicked past square leg for one. A stupendous 18th over by Josh Hazlewood, wickets of two set batsmen in it.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Glenn Phillips, ! TAKEN! Josh Hazlewood breaks the stand! Length ball, around off at 123 kph. Glenn Phillips shuffles across the stumps and heaves it across the line but does not middle his shot properly. The ball goes to the left of deep mid-wicket. Glenn Maxwell moves across swiftly and takes the catch safely.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Kane Williamson looks to punch but misses.
Who will New Zealand send now? Tim Seifert? James Neesham? Here comes the latter.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, ! Perfect, perfect execution! Length ball, outside off. Williamson shuffles across and then scoops it perfectly over short fine leg for a boundary.
Change. Josh Hazlewood (3-0-11-1)Â to bowl out.
Josh Hazlewood to Glenn Phillips, Length ball, around off. Glenn Phillips looks to play the reverse-batted shot but is beaten by the slowness of the delivery.
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Just 8 from the over then! Short of a length, wide outside off. Kane Williamson pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple. A wonderful over by Cummins. He has gone for just 14 runs in his 3 overs.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Another slower bouncer, on leg. Pulled to deep square leg for one. Pace off seems to be the key on this wicket.
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Length ball, slower in pace and way outside off. Kane Williamson gets the under-edge while looking to cut. The ball goes to the left of Wade. He dives to make the stop and the batters take one.
Change. Pat Cummins is back on. Can he stem the flow of runs?
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Slower bouncer, on leg. Glenn Phillips drags his pull past square leg for one.
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Slower ball, on a length, on off. Kane Williamson looks to punch but gets it from the inner half. The ball goes past Cummins and they take one.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Short of a length, on off. Glenn Phillips played a mistimed pull to deep mid-wicket for one.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Length ball, way outside off. Glenn Phillips gets no bat on it. Wide called.
Change!
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! Sublime batting by Kane Williamson! Mitchell Starc serves a length ball, outside off. Kane Williamson opens the face of his bat and plays it between backward point and short third man for a boundary. 22 runs from the over, the most expensive in the first innings of a T20 World Cup final.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! That is the most incredible stroke that he has played today! Length ball, outside off. Kane Williamson plays it inside out. He plays it very late so the ball goes behind the point fence and runs away.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, Starc goes 'round the wicket and bowls a full one, outside off. Kane Williamson gets no bat on it.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! What a strike that is! Kane Williamson is feasting on the Aussie bowlers now! Wow, this is incredible hitting! Starc goes fuller, on the pads. Williamson shuffles across and then whips it nicely over the square leg fence.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! Another lucky boundary for Kane Williamson! Fortune favouring the brave. Length ball, on middle, Kane looks to heave it away across the line but gets a top edge. The third man is inside the ring and the ball sails over that fielder to find the fence.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! A lucky boundary for Kane Williamson! Full ball, angling across him. He throws his bat at it but gets the outside edge. The ball flies past short third man and runs to the fence.
Change. Mitchell Starc (2-0-28-0) is back on.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Dot to finish the over and a brilliant spell by Zampa. He ends with figures of 4-0-26-1. Flatter ball, on leg, Glenn Phillips turns inside the crease to work it on the leg side but mistimes it near the surface. Wade is quick to pick the ball.Â
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, ! Another quality stroke from the bat of Glenn Phillips! Tossed up, wide outside off. He lifts it over covers and the ball runs away to the fence.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Loopy ball, on off. Kane Williamson works it to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Darted on the pads. Worked past mid-wicket for one.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Lovely delivery! Tossed up, outside off. Glenn Phillips looks to push it away but is beaten. Wade gathers it and there is an appeal for caught behind. But the umpire is unmoved. No review is taken. UltraEdge confirms that there was no bat on it.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, ! BOOM! The safest shot in cricket! Tossed up, on off. Glenn Phillips hits it straight back over Zampa for a maximum. Top shot there by Glenn Phillips. He might look to target this over.
Change of ends for Adam Zampa.Â
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Uppish but wide of the fielder! Slower ball, on a length, around off. Kane Williamson punches it aerially. The ball goes wide and over extra cover for a couple. A good over from Pat.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Well bowled. Slower and shorter, outside off. Glenn Phillips looks to pull but is way early into the stroke. The ball hits his body and rolls to short third man. A leg bye is taken.
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Similar line and length, Kane Williamson punches it to deep cover for one.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Short of a length, outside off. Glenn Phillips slashes it to deep point for one.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Another dot. Slower ball, on a length, around off. Glenn Phillips pushes it to covers.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Fuller ball, on off. Pushed to mid off.
Will Adam Zampa bowl out? Nope, Pat Cummins comes on.
Glenn Maxwell to Glenn Phillips, A single to end! Shorter and outside off, this is cut through point for one. 16 from the over, Glenn Maxwell has gone for 28 in his 3 and the one remaining over of the fifth bowler was bowled by Mitchell Marsh. So the Australian fifth bowling option has cost 0/39 in 4 overs.Â
Change. Glenn Maxwell (2-0-14-0) is back on.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, Kane Williamson misses out. It is a full toss, a dipping one. Williamson looks to lift it over the off side but this sneaks under the bat, Wade does not collect it and a run is taken. Bye.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, ! Fifty up for Williamson in style. This knock will be hurting Hazlewood the most as he had dropped Kane on 21. The Kiwi skipper is delivering when matters. This is tossed up on middle, Williamson plays the slog-sweep and it goes all the way over mid-wicket. It's into the crowd.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, ! That is a one-handed hit. Kane Williamson skips down the track. He does not quite get to the pitch of the ball but still goes ahead with the heave. His one hand comes off the handle but it is off the middle and sails over the fence at mid-wicket.
Glenn Maxwell to Glenn Phillips, Fuller and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, Too high probably and also pitched outside leg. Shorter and on the pads. Williamson looks to pull, he misses. It hits the pad and rolls towards short third man. A leg bye is taken. There was an appeal but turned down immediately. No review taken.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Just 5 and a wicket from the over. Loopy ball, around off. Pushed past covers for one.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Good running. Shorter ball, on the pads. Kane Williamson pulls it to the left of deep mid-wicket. Starc throws the ball in, but the batters take him on and get the second with ease.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Flatter ball, on the pads. Glenn Phillips works it towards deep backward square leg for a run.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Tossed up, wide outside off. Williamson works it to long on for one.
Who will New Zealand send in now? Glenn Phillips it is.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Loopy ball, around off. Blocked out.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, ! TAKEN! Adam Zampa delivers for Australia yet again! You cannot keep leggies out of this format! This is tossed up, around leg, Guptill has had plenty of time in the middle and decides to take Zampa on. He slog-sweeps it but doesn't hit it all that well. The ball goes to deep mid-wicket and Marcus Stoinis takes it just inside the rope. A big moment in the game as the 48-run stand has been broken.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, That is outstanding work in the field. Fuller and outside off, Williamson strokes it through covers. Stoinis runs to his right, it seems to be going away from him. He dives and saves two for his side. A couple from the freebie. End of a very big over for the Kiwis, 19 coming off it.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, NO BALL AND ! Is this the momentum-changing over? Three boundaries in a row. A high full toss on middle, Williamson pulls it over mid-wicket. In the gap for yet another boundary. Free Hit coming...
Drinks! A really good start for Australia as they have kept New Zealand at under 6 per over. But, it is also important to remember that the pitch seems to be quite slow. The plan from the Kiwis seems to be to keep wickets in hand and then launch once the time comes. When will that time come and which of these two batters will step on the gas? We will find out soon. Mitchell Starc (1-0-9-0) is back on.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! Timed beautifully! Fuller and on off, Williamson strokes it down the ground, through mid off. Consecutive boundaries.Â
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, AND ! Josh Hazlewood is the culprit. That should have been taken. It just bursts through his hands. This could prove costly and just the luck Williamson needed who is short of runs. Is this his day? He walks across, this is a full toss, it is whipped towards fine leg. Josh runs to his left, looks to take it over his head but it goes through his hands and trickles over the rope.
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, Fuller and on off, this is eased down to long off for one.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, Two! Fuller and on off, Williamson makes room. He jams it out wide of long off for two.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, From around the wicket, angles it into middle, it is worked down to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Another good over by Zampa. On off, Kane Williamson walks down the track and plays it through mid off for a single.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Now bowls the slider at 97 kph, outside off, Guptill pushes it and bags another single as it goes through covers.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Slows it up, lands it on off, Williamson strokes it through covers for one more.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for a single.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Fractionally short and on middle, this one stays low. Guptill looks to pull, it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.
Mitchell Marsh to Kane Williamson, A dot to end but the damage was done earlier on. A slower short one and on the body. Williamson looks to pull but misses. He gets hit on the body.
Mitchell Marsh to Kane Williamson, ! Consecutive boundaries and 50 up for New Zealand! Short and on middle, Williamson rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket. Boundary. This is a really good over for the Kiwis.
Mitchell Marsh to Kane Williamson, ! Up and over! First boundary after the 4th over, will that break the shackles? Williamson steps out. Marsh shortens the length a little outside off. Williamson lifts it over covers for a boundary.
Mitchell Marsh to Martin Guptill, Shorter and on middle, Guptill pulls it through mid-wicket for one.Â
Mitchell Marsh to Kane Williamson, Marsh rolls his fingers on the ball, it is on a length on off and pushed down to long off for one.
Change in bowling. Glenn Maxwell is back on. He went for 9 in his first over.
Mitchell Marsh to Martin Guptill, Just the single again! Fuller and on off, Guptill pushes it down to long off and gets to the other end.
Change. Mitchell Marsh comes on now.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, A dot to end! Just the three from the over. Fuller and on middle, this is played back to the bowler.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Another one slightly shorter and outside off, MG this time manages to push it through the gap at covers for one.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Guptill does not put that away. Shorter and outside off, this is pushed to covers.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Lovely! Drags his length back. A googly, it is pushed to covers.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Outside off, Williamson pushes it through covers for one. New Zealand dealing in singles.
Adam Zampa comes on now. Given the slowish nature of the surface so far, he will play a key role here.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Fuller and on off, Guptill strokes it down to long off and takes one.
Time for some spin as Glenn Maxwell comes on. He, Stoinis and Marsh will make the 5th bowler so the Kiwis will look to target them.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Australia continue to keep it tight. On middle, Guptill pushes it through mid on and gets to the other end.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, On middle, it is pushed to long on for just the one again.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Drags his length back and bowls it on middle, blocked.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, Another single as Williamson now works it down to long on.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Fuller and on middle, this is worked down to long on for one.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Aerial but safe! Back of a length, around off, stopping a bit again, Williamson plays a mistimed heave over the leg side. It falls in no man's land at deep mid-wicket and New Zealand get a couple of runs. At the end of the Powerplay, the Kiwis are 32/1.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Delivers it on a length and around off, Williamson steps back to make room but still finds the fielder at covers with his shot. Five dots.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Fuller and shaping back in from around off, Kane Williamson blocks it out to the off side.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Shortish and on off, Kane punches off the back foot but not in the gap, finds the extra cover fielder.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Back of a length around off, stopping a bit onto the batsman, Williamson tries to work it around on the leg side but it jumps extra and takes the upper half of his bat. He ends up pushing it back to the bowler.
Will Josh Hazlewood get one more over in the Powerplay? Yup, he will continue.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Nice delivery, on a length around off and straightening off the seam, Williamson tries to play straight but it takes the leading edge and goes to point.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, Around off, on a good length, Martin pokes inside the line and plays it a bit off the outer edge. The ball rolls to backward point. A good opening over from Pat Cummins.Â
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, A touch short and around off, Kane plays it with soft hands in front of square leg and picks up a run. The Kiwi skipper is off the mark.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, Pace off as it's a cross-seamer, around middle and leg, Guptill tickles it through square leg for a single.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, The batsman has just blocked that from his crease.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, This one is served a bit fuller and around off, Guptill pushes it off his front foot to covers.
Pat Cummins comes on now.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, Delivers it on a length and around off, Guptill plays late with an angled at but finds backward point.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, On a length, just outside off. Punched to covers. Just 5 and a big wicket from that over. Good two overs from Josh Hazlewood.
Kane Williamson walks out to bat.
Josh Hazlewood to Daryl Mitchell, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! The hero of the semi-final for New Zealand is done and dusted very early in the game. Hazlewood brings his class into play. Sticks to his line around off, it's a bit short and he has run his fingers on the side of the ball. A 131 kph delivery reaches the batsman a bit late and Daryl Mitchell is shaping up to guide it down to third man by stepping back slightly. The ball though takes the outside edge and Matthew Wade dives forward to
Josh Hazlewood to Daryl Mitchell, Another dot. Short of a length, but the punch by Mitchell goes straight towards cover. Josh Hazlewood is bowling really well here.
Josh Hazlewood to Daryl Mitchell, On a length, on off. Daryl Mitchell punches it to cover. Dot ball.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, Full one, on the pads. Guptill flicks it to deep square leg and crosses over.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, ! Top stroke! Josh Hazlewood serves a length ball, just outside off. Guptill stands up tall and punches it through covers for a boundary.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Is that a dropped catch? Flatter again, short and outside off, Guptill tries to cut but fails to middle it. Wade is unable to gather the ball. The replays detect an inside edge. Big miss.
Glenn Maxwell to Daryl Mitchell, ! Stand and delivery! They would look to attack Maxwell.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Leg bye.
Glenn Maxwell to Daryl Mitchell, Shortish and on middle, Mitchell gets back and tucks it through square leg for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Quicker and on middle, it's eased down to long on for a single.
Glenn Maxwell to Daryl Mitchell, Flatter and shorter on middle, helped behind square leg for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, Back on the money, around off and on a length, Guptill gets forward and pushes it to covers. Excellent first over from Josh Hazlewood!Â
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, ! Guptill ends the dry spell of four balls. Short in length and around middle, at 138 kph, Guptill gets on top of the bounce and pulls it to fine leg. The fielder in the deep is very, very square and the ball runs away to the fence.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, Shortish and around off, Guptill punches it from the back foot to covers where Mitchell Marsh makes a diving stop to his left. Good energy.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, A hint of movement around off but the ball is not zipping through off the surface, Guptill stays on the back foot and helps it to mid-wicket.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, A touch short and on off, at 142 clicks, Guptill eases himself on the back foot and pushes it to mid off.
Josh Hazlewood set to steam in.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, On the money is Josh Hazlewood. Serves it on a good length around off, not offering much room, Guptill gets back and plays it down to mid-wicket.Â
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, Edgy! Back of a length, around off and angling away, Martin Guptill stays back to push inside the line and edges it down to third man for a run. 9 from the first over of the final.
Mitchell Starc to Daryl Mitchell, Starc goes leg side on this occasion. It's been a poor start from the speedster. On a good length and around leg, Daryl Mitchell uses his wrists and works it through backward square leg. Josh Hazlewood gives the chase to his left from fine leg and puts in a dive to stop the ball. He then back-flicks it in the direction of the square leg fielder inside the ring and that allows the batsmen time to pick the third run.
Mitchell Starc to Daryl Mitchell, Better line and length from Starc. He delivers it around middle and leg, Mitchell pushes it down the ground with a straight bat but finds mid on.Â
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, Once again there is a little bit of width available outside off, no movement whatsoever for Starc, Guptill throws his bat at it and steers it down to the right of third man for a single.
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, ! Leaves the first ball and smashes the second one. That's Guptill for you. It's slightly short and in the zone outside off, Martin stands tall inside the crease and slaps it through the gap at point for a boundary, first of the final.
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, Starc begins by hurling a full delivery across the right-hander, it's outside off and further angling away, Martin Guptill makes a watchful leave.
Done with the pre-match formalities. Aaron Finch has his team in a huddle and then leads Australia out on the field. Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell stride out to bat for New Zealand. Mitchell Starc will steam in with the new ball. But first, both the teams take the knee to support the Black Lives Matter movement. Here we go for the final time. Game on!
We are set for the finale! Both the teams and match officials walk out on the field for the national anthems for the final time. First, the anthem of Australia will be played followed by that of New Zealand.
Trent Boult is down for a chat. The Kiwi speedster says that they are looking forward to taking on the Aussies and they hope to keep adding to the trophy cabinet. Feels that bowling with the new ball is quite important and taking early wickets is the key. Further adds that missing Conway is a huge loss but that allows someone else to step up and perform.
Kane Williamson, the skipper of New Zealand, says that they would have bowled first as well. Says that they now need to focus on their task on hand. Informs that Tim Seifert comes in for Devon Conway and adds that Conway is a big loss. Finishes by saying that they do not want to look too far ahead and just do what they have done well so far.
Aaron Finch, the captain of Australia, says it seems a dry surface, it might skid with the new ball and then slow up. Informs they are playing the same XI. Adds they did well to hang in there in the last game and that win gave them a lot of confidence. Praises Adam Zampa and hopes that his form continues. Mentions history does not matter, it is a new game, a new competition and they are looking forward to doing well.
New Zealand (Playing XI) - Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (C), Tim Seifert (WK) (In for Devon Conway), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.
Australia (Unchanged Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Toss - Aaron Finch and Kane Williamson are in the middle. Both shake hands and share a smile. Looking very relaxed. Up goes the coin, Finch calls Heads and it's Heads. AUSTRALIA ELECT TO FIELD!
... FINALE TIME ...
David Warner comes up for a little chat. The Aussie opener says that there is a lot of confidence in their team and as a collective unit, it is going to be all about producing the goods with both bat and ball. Adds that for him, it is about going out there and trying to put his team in a good position. Tells that the trend here in the Powerplay is about minimizing the damage and they will look to do that.
PITCH REPORT - Shane Watson says that the wicket is quite dry with no real live grass. The Aussie feels that the middle overs with the spinners are going to be crucial. Watson further adds that it should be a good pitch for batting, although it could be a bit two-paced. So the toss will be quite interesting as batting first might be an advantage.
The 'nice guys' of world cricket, New Zealand, surprisingly tend to find the tag of 'underdogs' attached to them at the start of many major ICC tournaments. But their performance paints a different picture altogether. Since 2011, they have reached the semi-finals of all the ODI World Cups and reached the finals twice. Their performance in the T20 World Cup hasn't been all that great, but given their talent, it is no surprise that they are here in the finale. The last time the Kiwis played in a
Win the toss, win the trophy? Well, that statement may sound unfair but that's the truth. Dubai has favoured the chasing teams in this edition of the T20 World Cup. In the 12 games played here so far, only once a team has defended a score. But, in the night games, no team has defended a score yet. Dew usually has played a major role but in the last semi-final, there wasn't much dew. Still, toss is going to be very critical as the captain winning it would prefer chasing.
The Australian team is a powerhouse of cricketing talent. They have won more ODI World Cups than any other team and had probably the strongest Test teams back in the day. But somehow, the T20 format is not the one where they have excelled. Their best performance in the T20 World Cup came back in 2010 when they reached the final but then lost against England. Given the quality of cricketers in Australia, their performance in previous editions of the competition was always a surprise. But that c
Group stage - done. Super 12s - done. Two exciting semi-finals -Â done. Now, the next 40 overs will see a new team lift the T20 World Cup trophy. It is the trans-Tasman rivalry between New Zealand and Australia and one of these teams will be crowned the World Champions. We are more than excited and surely, you all are too for what promises to be an exciting finale. With that, a very warm welcome to our coverage and thank you for joining us.
Right then, Australia need 173 runs to win their first T20 World Cup title. The pressure is going to be immense on their batters on this challenging surface and the first 6 overs are going to be very critical. Dew could be a factor later on.
Glenn Philips, who was involved in a crucial momentum-shifting 68-run stand with Kane Williamson, comes up for a chat. Says that the wicket is a bit slower and it's a challenge to bat against the off-paced deliveries. Feels that Kane Williamson's attack on Mitchell Starc turned the match around for them a bit. Finishes by hoping that they can execute their plans well in the field.
It's yet another demanding surface of Dubai and New Zealand planned to preserve the wickets. The Powerplay was very quiet as they managed only 32 runs for the loss of Daryl Mitchell. The going remained slow in the middle overs with Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill forming a partnership. The pair concentrated more on rotating the strike and also found boundaries whenever loose deliveries were served to them.
As far as Australian bowling is concerned, you will have to see it in parts. Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa, three out of Australia's four main bowlers were brilliant in their spells but Mitchell Starc had an off day as he went for plenty of runs. Also, the quota of the fifth bowler was bowled by Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh and they went for 39 runs in 4. Not to forget the dropped catch of Kane Williamson on 21 by Hazlewood and that proved to be too costly for the Aussies.
At the halfway mark, New Zealand were 57/1 and after getting life in the 11th over, Kane Williamson took Mitchell Starc to the cleaners. Just when we sensed a momentum shift, Adam Zampa broke the 48-run stand by sending Martin Guptill back to the pavilion. That though didn't deter Kane Williamson as he continued launching a stunning attack. The Kiwi skipper announced his arrival to form at the biggest stage and played a gem of a knock. He scored a 48-ball 85, the most by a captain in the final o
A much-better final over from Mitchell Starc but the damage was already done. New Zealand will be thrilled with the way they batted in the second half. They managed to amass 115 runs in the last 10 overs and posted a daunting total on the board.
Mitchell Starc to James Neesham, Two to finish! A low full toss, on off. Neesham hits it to long off. They set off for the second. The throw comes to Starc, he throws it to Wade, but both the batters are safe! New Zealand end at 172 for 4!
Mitchell Starc to Tim Seifert, Yorker, on the pads. Tim Seifert works it to deep mid-wicket. The fielder runs in and keeps it to one. Final ball of the first innings coming up.
Mitchell Starc to James Neesham, TWO WIDES! Sprays it full and down the leg side. Neesham misses the flick. Wade has to dive to stop the ball and the batters set off for a bye. The throw comes in but Wade misses the stumps at his end.
A slight halt in play. Mitchell Starc is changing his shoes.
Mitchell Starc to James Neesham, Swing and a miss! Length ball, wide outside off. Neesham misses his heave down the ground.
Mitchell Starc to Tim Seifert, A low full toss, wide outside off. Tim Seifert slices it to third man for one.
Mitchell Starc to Tim Seifert, Perfect yorker, outside off. Tim Seifert gets no bat on it. Wade fumbles and the batters think to steal a bye but decide against it as Wade is quick to recover.
Mitchell Starc to Tim Seifert, ! Poor day for Mitchell Starc continues! He goes for the yorker, but bowls a full one, down the leg side. Tim Seifert flicks it through backward square leg and the ball runs away to the fence.
Mitchell Starc will bowl the final over. He has not had the best of days so far with the ball.
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, NOT ! Length ball, wide outside off. Neesham hits it to wide long on. The fielder runs in and collects it. Neesham sprints back for the second as the throw comes in. Wade whips the bails off and the TV umpire is called. But Neesham puts in a stretch and gets back just in time.
Is that a run out? James Neesham is the man in question and the Aussies are quite confident. He is safe though! Neesham has his bat in!
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, Wide! Slower and shorter again. Angling across off. Neesham leaves it and the umpire stretches his arms to signal a wide.
Pat Cummins to Tim Seifert, Short of a length, outside off. Tim Seifert hits it firmly through extra cover for one.
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, Slower ball, short of a length, outside off. Neesham lines himself for a pull but the ball takes days to reach him. He ends up playing a mistimed pull towards mid-wicket and picks up a single.
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, ! BAM! Powerful stroke! Length ball, wide outside off. Neesham smacks it straight over the bowler's head for a maximum.
Pat Cummins to Tim Seifert, Slower and shorter, outside off. Cut away to deep point for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, ! CAUGHT! Josh Hazlewood gets the biggest fish of the night so far! Wonderful bowling by the tall pacer and he has been the pick of the bowlers for Aaron Finch! Slower ball, on a length around off. Kane Williamson comes down the track to go over long off but does not get the connection right. The ball goes straight to Steven Smith in the deep and he takes it with ease. A wonderful, wonderful knock by the Kiwi skipper ends. Had it not been for him, t
Pat Cummins to James Neesham, Length ball, outside off. Neesham cuts it to deep point for one. That brings up the 150 for the Kiwis.
Who will bowl the 19th over? Pat Cummins to continue.
Tim Seifert is slotted to come in next. Here he is.
Josh Hazlewood to James Neesham, Length ball, on the pads. Flicked past square leg for one. A stupendous 18th over by Josh Hazlewood, wickets of two set batsmen in it.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Glenn Phillips, ! TAKEN! Josh Hazlewood breaks the stand! Length ball, around off at 123 kph. Glenn Phillips shuffles across the stumps and heaves it across the line but does not middle his shot properly. The ball goes to the left of deep mid-wicket. Glenn Maxwell moves across swiftly and takes the catch safely.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Kane Williamson looks to punch but misses.
Who will New Zealand send now? Tim Seifert? James Neesham? Here comes the latter.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, ! Perfect, perfect execution! Length ball, outside off. Williamson shuffles across and then scoops it perfectly over short fine leg for a boundary.
Change. Josh Hazlewood (3-0-11-1)Â to bowl out.
Josh Hazlewood to Glenn Phillips, Length ball, around off. Glenn Phillips looks to play the reverse-batted shot but is beaten by the slowness of the delivery.
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Just 8 from the over then! Short of a length, wide outside off. Kane Williamson pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple. A wonderful over by Cummins. He has gone for just 14 runs in his 3 overs.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Another slower bouncer, on leg. Pulled to deep square leg for one. Pace off seems to be the key on this wicket.
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Length ball, slower in pace and way outside off. Kane Williamson gets the under-edge while looking to cut. The ball goes to the left of Wade. He dives to make the stop and the batters take one.
Change. Pat Cummins is back on. Can he stem the flow of runs?
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Slower bouncer, on leg. Glenn Phillips drags his pull past square leg for one.
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Slower ball, on a length, on off. Kane Williamson looks to punch but gets it from the inner half. The ball goes past Cummins and they take one.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Short of a length, on off. Glenn Phillips played a mistimed pull to deep mid-wicket for one.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Length ball, way outside off. Glenn Phillips gets no bat on it. Wide called.
Change!
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! Sublime batting by Kane Williamson! Mitchell Starc serves a length ball, outside off. Kane Williamson opens the face of his bat and plays it between backward point and short third man for a boundary. 22 runs from the over, the most expensive in the first innings of a T20 World Cup final.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! That is the most incredible stroke that he has played today! Length ball, outside off. Kane Williamson plays it inside out. He plays it very late so the ball goes behind the point fence and runs away.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, Starc goes 'round the wicket and bowls a full one, outside off. Kane Williamson gets no bat on it.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! What a strike that is! Kane Williamson is feasting on the Aussie bowlers now! Wow, this is incredible hitting! Starc goes fuller, on the pads. Williamson shuffles across and then whips it nicely over the square leg fence.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! Another lucky boundary for Kane Williamson! Fortune favouring the brave. Length ball, on middle, Kane looks to heave it away across the line but gets a top edge. The third man is inside the ring and the ball sails over that fielder to find the fence.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! A lucky boundary for Kane Williamson! Full ball, angling across him. He throws his bat at it but gets the outside edge. The ball flies past short third man and runs to the fence.
Change. Mitchell Starc (2-0-28-0) is back on.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Dot to finish the over and a brilliant spell by Zampa. He ends with figures of 4-0-26-1. Flatter ball, on leg, Glenn Phillips turns inside the crease to work it on the leg side but mistimes it near the surface. Wade is quick to pick the ball.Â
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, ! Another quality stroke from the bat of Glenn Phillips! Tossed up, wide outside off. He lifts it over covers and the ball runs away to the fence.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Loopy ball, on off. Kane Williamson works it to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Darted on the pads. Worked past mid-wicket for one.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Lovely delivery! Tossed up, outside off. Glenn Phillips looks to push it away but is beaten. Wade gathers it and there is an appeal for caught behind. But the umpire is unmoved. No review is taken. UltraEdge confirms that there was no bat on it.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, ! BOOM! The safest shot in cricket! Tossed up, on off. Glenn Phillips hits it straight back over Zampa for a maximum. Top shot there by Glenn Phillips. He might look to target this over.
Change of ends for Adam Zampa.Â
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Uppish but wide of the fielder! Slower ball, on a length, around off. Kane Williamson punches it aerially. The ball goes wide and over extra cover for a couple. A good over from Pat.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Well bowled. Slower and shorter, outside off. Glenn Phillips looks to pull but is way early into the stroke. The ball hits his body and rolls to short third man. A leg bye is taken.
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, Similar line and length, Kane Williamson punches it to deep cover for one.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Short of a length, outside off. Glenn Phillips slashes it to deep point for one.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Another dot. Slower ball, on a length, around off. Glenn Phillips pushes it to covers.
Pat Cummins to Glenn Phillips, Fuller ball, on off. Pushed to mid off.
Will Adam Zampa bowl out? Nope, Pat Cummins comes on.
Glenn Maxwell to Glenn Phillips, A single to end! Shorter and outside off, this is cut through point for one. 16 from the over, Glenn Maxwell has gone for 28 in his 3 and the one remaining over of the fifth bowler was bowled by Mitchell Marsh. So the Australian fifth bowling option has cost 0/39 in 4 overs.Â
Change. Glenn Maxwell (2-0-14-0) is back on.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, Kane Williamson misses out. It is a full toss, a dipping one. Williamson looks to lift it over the off side but this sneaks under the bat, Wade does not collect it and a run is taken. Bye.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, ! Fifty up for Williamson in style. This knock will be hurting Hazlewood the most as he had dropped Kane on 21. The Kiwi skipper is delivering when matters. This is tossed up on middle, Williamson plays the slog-sweep and it goes all the way over mid-wicket. It's into the crowd.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, ! That is a one-handed hit. Kane Williamson skips down the track. He does not quite get to the pitch of the ball but still goes ahead with the heave. His one hand comes off the handle but it is off the middle and sails over the fence at mid-wicket.
Glenn Maxwell to Glenn Phillips, Fuller and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, Too high probably and also pitched outside leg. Shorter and on the pads. Williamson looks to pull, he misses. It hits the pad and rolls towards short third man. A leg bye is taken. There was an appeal but turned down immediately. No review taken.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Just 5 and a wicket from the over. Loopy ball, around off. Pushed past covers for one.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Good running. Shorter ball, on the pads. Kane Williamson pulls it to the left of deep mid-wicket. Starc throws the ball in, but the batters take him on and get the second with ease.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Flatter ball, on the pads. Glenn Phillips works it towards deep backward square leg for a run.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Tossed up, wide outside off. Williamson works it to long on for one.
Who will New Zealand send in now? Glenn Phillips it is.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Loopy ball, around off. Blocked out.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, ! TAKEN! Adam Zampa delivers for Australia yet again! You cannot keep leggies out of this format! This is tossed up, around leg, Guptill has had plenty of time in the middle and decides to take Zampa on. He slog-sweeps it but doesn't hit it all that well. The ball goes to deep mid-wicket and Marcus Stoinis takes it just inside the rope. A big moment in the game as the 48-run stand has been broken.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, That is outstanding work in the field. Fuller and outside off, Williamson strokes it through covers. Stoinis runs to his right, it seems to be going away from him. He dives and saves two for his side. A couple from the freebie. End of a very big over for the Kiwis, 19 coming off it.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, NO BALL AND ! Is this the momentum-changing over? Three boundaries in a row. A high full toss on middle, Williamson pulls it over mid-wicket. In the gap for yet another boundary. Free Hit coming...
Drinks! A really good start for Australia as they have kept New Zealand at under 6 per over. But, it is also important to remember that the pitch seems to be quite slow. The plan from the Kiwis seems to be to keep wickets in hand and then launch once the time comes. When will that time come and which of these two batters will step on the gas? We will find out soon. Mitchell Starc (1-0-9-0) is back on.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, ! Timed beautifully! Fuller and on off, Williamson strokes it down the ground, through mid off. Consecutive boundaries.Â
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, AND ! Josh Hazlewood is the culprit. That should have been taken. It just bursts through his hands. This could prove costly and just the luck Williamson needed who is short of runs. Is this his day? He walks across, this is a full toss, it is whipped towards fine leg. Josh runs to his left, looks to take it over his head but it goes through his hands and trickles over the rope.
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, Fuller and on off, this is eased down to long off for one.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, Two! Fuller and on off, Williamson makes room. He jams it out wide of long off for two.
Mitchell Starc to Kane Williamson, From around the wicket, angles it into middle, it is worked down to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Another good over by Zampa. On off, Kane Williamson walks down the track and plays it through mid off for a single.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Now bowls the slider at 97 kph, outside off, Guptill pushes it and bags another single as it goes through covers.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Slows it up, lands it on off, Williamson strokes it through covers for one more.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for a single.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Fractionally short and on middle, this one stays low. Guptill looks to pull, it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.
Mitchell Marsh to Kane Williamson, A dot to end but the damage was done earlier on. A slower short one and on the body. Williamson looks to pull but misses. He gets hit on the body.
Mitchell Marsh to Kane Williamson, ! Consecutive boundaries and 50 up for New Zealand! Short and on middle, Williamson rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket. Boundary. This is a really good over for the Kiwis.
Mitchell Marsh to Kane Williamson, ! Up and over! First boundary after the 4th over, will that break the shackles? Williamson steps out. Marsh shortens the length a little outside off. Williamson lifts it over covers for a boundary.
Mitchell Marsh to Martin Guptill, Shorter and on middle, Guptill pulls it through mid-wicket for one.Â
Mitchell Marsh to Kane Williamson, Marsh rolls his fingers on the ball, it is on a length on off and pushed down to long off for one.
Change in bowling. Glenn Maxwell is back on. He went for 9 in his first over.
Mitchell Marsh to Martin Guptill, Just the single again! Fuller and on off, Guptill pushes it down to long off and gets to the other end.
Change. Mitchell Marsh comes on now.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, A dot to end! Just the three from the over. Fuller and on middle, this is played back to the bowler.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Another one slightly shorter and outside off, MG this time manages to push it through the gap at covers for one.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Guptill does not put that away. Shorter and outside off, this is pushed to covers.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Lovely! Drags his length back. A googly, it is pushed to covers.
Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Outside off, Williamson pushes it through covers for one. New Zealand dealing in singles.
Adam Zampa comes on now. Given the slowish nature of the surface so far, he will play a key role here.
Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Fuller and on off, Guptill strokes it down to long off and takes one.
Time for some spin as Glenn Maxwell comes on. He, Stoinis and Marsh will make the 5th bowler so the Kiwis will look to target them.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Australia continue to keep it tight. On middle, Guptill pushes it through mid on and gets to the other end.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, On middle, it is pushed to long on for just the one again.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Drags his length back and bowls it on middle, blocked.
Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, Another single as Williamson now works it down to long on.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Fuller and on middle, this is worked down to long on for one.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Aerial but safe! Back of a length, around off, stopping a bit again, Williamson plays a mistimed heave over the leg side. It falls in no man's land at deep mid-wicket and New Zealand get a couple of runs. At the end of the Powerplay, the Kiwis are 32/1.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Delivers it on a length and around off, Williamson steps back to make room but still finds the fielder at covers with his shot. Five dots.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Fuller and shaping back in from around off, Kane Williamson blocks it out to the off side.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Shortish and on off, Kane punches off the back foot but not in the gap, finds the extra cover fielder.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Back of a length around off, stopping a bit onto the batsman, Williamson tries to work it around on the leg side but it jumps extra and takes the upper half of his bat. He ends up pushing it back to the bowler.
Will Josh Hazlewood get one more over in the Powerplay? Yup, he will continue.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, Nice delivery, on a length around off and straightening off the seam, Williamson tries to play straight but it takes the leading edge and goes to point.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, Around off, on a good length, Martin pokes inside the line and plays it a bit off the outer edge. The ball rolls to backward point. A good opening over from Pat Cummins.Â
Pat Cummins to Kane Williamson, A touch short and around off, Kane plays it with soft hands in front of square leg and picks up a run. The Kiwi skipper is off the mark.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, Pace off as it's a cross-seamer, around middle and leg, Guptill tickles it through square leg for a single.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, The batsman has just blocked that from his crease.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, This one is served a bit fuller and around off, Guptill pushes it off his front foot to covers.
Pat Cummins comes on now.
Pat Cummins to Martin Guptill, Delivers it on a length and around off, Guptill plays late with an angled at but finds backward point.
Josh Hazlewood to Kane Williamson, On a length, just outside off. Punched to covers. Just 5 and a big wicket from that over. Good two overs from Josh Hazlewood.
Kane Williamson walks out to bat.
Josh Hazlewood to Daryl Mitchell, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! The hero of the semi-final for New Zealand is done and dusted very early in the game. Hazlewood brings his class into play. Sticks to his line around off, it's a bit short and he has run his fingers on the side of the ball. A 131 kph delivery reaches the batsman a bit late and Daryl Mitchell is shaping up to guide it down to third man by stepping back slightly. The ball though takes the outside edge and Matthew Wade dives forward to
Josh Hazlewood to Daryl Mitchell, Another dot. Short of a length, but the punch by Mitchell goes straight towards cover. Josh Hazlewood is bowling really well here.
Josh Hazlewood to Daryl Mitchell, On a length, on off. Daryl Mitchell punches it to cover. Dot ball.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, Full one, on the pads. Guptill flicks it to deep square leg and crosses over.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, ! Top stroke! Josh Hazlewood serves a length ball, just outside off. Guptill stands up tall and punches it through covers for a boundary.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Is that a dropped catch? Flatter again, short and outside off, Guptill tries to cut but fails to middle it. Wade is unable to gather the ball. The replays detect an inside edge. Big miss.
Glenn Maxwell to Daryl Mitchell, ! Stand and delivery! They would look to attack Maxwell.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Leg bye.
Glenn Maxwell to Daryl Mitchell, Shortish and on middle, Mitchell gets back and tucks it through square leg for one.
Glenn Maxwell to Martin Guptill, Quicker and on middle, it's eased down to long on for a single.
Glenn Maxwell to Daryl Mitchell, Flatter and shorter on middle, helped behind square leg for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, Back on the money, around off and on a length, Guptill gets forward and pushes it to covers. Excellent first over from Josh Hazlewood!Â
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, ! Guptill ends the dry spell of four balls. Short in length and around middle, at 138 kph, Guptill gets on top of the bounce and pulls it to fine leg. The fielder in the deep is very, very square and the ball runs away to the fence.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, Shortish and around off, Guptill punches it from the back foot to covers where Mitchell Marsh makes a diving stop to his left. Good energy.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, A hint of movement around off but the ball is not zipping through off the surface, Guptill stays on the back foot and helps it to mid-wicket.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, A touch short and on off, at 142 clicks, Guptill eases himself on the back foot and pushes it to mid off.
Josh Hazlewood set to steam in.
Josh Hazlewood to Martin Guptill, On the money is Josh Hazlewood. Serves it on a good length around off, not offering much room, Guptill gets back and plays it down to mid-wicket.Â
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, Edgy! Back of a length, around off and angling away, Martin Guptill stays back to push inside the line and edges it down to third man for a run. 9 from the first over of the final.
Mitchell Starc to Daryl Mitchell, Starc goes leg side on this occasion. It's been a poor start from the speedster. On a good length and around leg, Daryl Mitchell uses his wrists and works it through backward square leg. Josh Hazlewood gives the chase to his left from fine leg and puts in a dive to stop the ball. He then back-flicks it in the direction of the square leg fielder inside the ring and that allows the batsmen time to pick the third run.
Mitchell Starc to Daryl Mitchell, Better line and length from Starc. He delivers it around middle and leg, Mitchell pushes it down the ground with a straight bat but finds mid on.Â
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, Once again there is a little bit of width available outside off, no movement whatsoever for Starc, Guptill throws his bat at it and steers it down to the right of third man for a single.
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, ! Leaves the first ball and smashes the second one. That's Guptill for you. It's slightly short and in the zone outside off, Martin stands tall inside the crease and slaps it through the gap at point for a boundary, first of the final.
Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, Starc begins by hurling a full delivery across the right-hander, it's outside off and further angling away, Martin Guptill makes a watchful leave.
Done with the pre-match formalities. Aaron Finch has his team in a huddle and then leads Australia out on the field. Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell stride out to bat for New Zealand. Mitchell Starc will steam in with the new ball. But first, both the teams take the knee to support the Black Lives Matter movement. Here we go for the final time. Game on!
We are set for the finale! Both the teams and match officials walk out on the field for the national anthems for the final time. First, the anthem of Australia will be played followed by that of New Zealand.
Trent Boult is down for a chat. The Kiwi speedster says that they are looking forward to taking on the Aussies and they hope to keep adding to the trophy cabinet. Feels that bowling with the new ball is quite important and taking early wickets is the key. Further adds that missing Conway is a huge loss but that allows someone else to step up and perform.
Kane Williamson, the skipper of New Zealand, says that they would have bowled first as well. Says that they now need to focus on their task on hand. Informs that Tim Seifert comes in for Devon Conway and adds that Conway is a big loss. Finishes by saying that they do not want to look too far ahead and just do what they have done well so far.
Aaron Finch, the captain of Australia, says it seems a dry surface, it might skid with the new ball and then slow up. Informs they are playing the same XI. Adds they did well to hang in there in the last game and that win gave them a lot of confidence. Praises Adam Zampa and hopes that his form continues. Mentions history does not matter, it is a new game, a new competition and they are looking forward to doing well.
New Zealand (Playing XI) - Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (C), Tim Seifert (WK) (In for Devon Conway), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.
Australia (Unchanged Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Toss - Aaron Finch and Kane Williamson are in the middle. Both shake hands and share a smile. Looking very relaxed. Up goes the coin, Finch calls Heads and it's Heads. AUSTRALIA ELECT TO FIELD!
... FINALE TIME ...
David Warner comes up for a little chat. The Aussie opener says that there is a lot of confidence in their team and as a collective unit, it is going to be all about producing the goods with both bat and ball. Adds that for him, it is about going out there and trying to put his team in a good position. Tells that the trend here in the Powerplay is about minimizing the damage and they will look to do that.
PITCH REPORT - Shane Watson says that the wicket is quite dry with no real live grass. The Aussie feels that the middle overs with the spinners are going to be crucial. Watson further adds that it should be a good pitch for batting, although it could be a bit two-paced. So the toss will be quite interesting as batting first might be an advantage.
The 'nice guys' of world cricket, New Zealand, surprisingly tend to find the tag of 'underdogs' attached to them at the start of many major ICC tournaments. But their performance paints a different picture altogether. Since 2011, they have reached the semi-finals of all the ODI World Cups and reached the finals twice. Their performance in the T20 World Cup hasn't been all that great, but given their talent, it is no surprise that they are here in the finale. The last time the Kiwis played in a
Win the toss, win the trophy? Well, that statement may sound unfair but that's the truth. Dubai has favoured the chasing teams in this edition of the T20 World Cup. In the 12 games played here so far, only once a team has defended a score. But, in the night games, no team has defended a score yet. Dew usually has played a major role but in the last semi-final, there wasn't much dew. Still, toss is going to be very critical as the captain winning it would prefer chasing.
The Australian team is a powerhouse of cricketing talent. They have won more ODI World Cups than any other team and had probably the strongest Test teams back in the day. But somehow, the T20 format is not the one where they have excelled. Their best performance in the T20 World Cup came back in 2010 when they reached the final but then lost against England. Given the quality of cricketers in Australia, their performance in previous editions of the competition was always a surprise. But that c
Group stage - done. Super 12s - done. Two exciting semi-finals -Â done. Now, the next 40 overs will see a new team lift the T20 World Cup trophy. It is the trans-Tasman rivalry between New Zealand and Australia and one of these teams will be crowned the World Champions. We are more than excited and surely, you all are too for what promises to be an exciting finale. With that, a very warm welcome to our coverage and thank you for joining us.