The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand caught attention across the cricketing world, with both teams reaching the title clash after a strong performance in the semi-finals after a tough Super 8 stage.
The match will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.Earlier this year, India beat New Zealand 4-1 in a five-match T20I series at home. But the final comes with different pressures. No host nation has won the T20 World Cup so far, and no team has defended the title in the tournament.
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Former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin says New Zealand opener Finn Allen could pose a major threat in the final.
Allen scored a century against South Africa in the semi-final.“If he (Finn Allen) makes the final, he’s a player who can ruin India’s home party. If I were India coming into the tournament, the only team I wouldn’t want to play in the final is New Zealand,” Haddin said on the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast.Haddin also said New Zealand would not be concerned about playing in Indian conditions. He noted that the team has already shown that it is capable of challenging India at home.
“New Zealand don’t fear India in their home conditions. They beat them in a Test series here. So if they can come in with that mentality and Finn Allen can play with that freedom like he did, they can put some real pressure on India. I’ll go with New Zealand,” he added.Former Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon also shared his view on the final and backed New Zealand to victory. He said skipper Mitchell Santner can play an important role with the ball against India.“I will go with New Zealand in the final. The most important key for India is the way they play with Mitchell Santner. He is the captain of the team and he was very economical, especially on these pitches,” Lyon said.