4 reasons why England lost to New Zealand | ICC T20 WC 2021

#3 Losing the toss

Let's face it: the toss has been a major factor in this tournament. Sure, it has not been the only factor as some people make it out to be, but it has definitely been enough to sway fortunes a little.

And this is a game where England would have liked to have won the toss. Not because they aren't capable of compensating for losing it, but because they need a slight edge after losing key players to injury coming into the game.

Moreover, England are a very, very good chasing side. They have a batting line-up that is seemingly endless and every single one of them are big hitters of the ball who can accelerate at will. If England had won the toss this game and chosen to field, they would have had a higher chance of winning the match. Oh, well.

#4 Tournament New Zealand are just... different

England v New Zealand - ICC Men's T20 World Cup Semi-Final 2021

New Zealand has made it to the 2015 World Cup finals, the 2019 World Cup finals (barest of margins, anyone?), won the 2020 World Test Champions and now this. They have just made it a habit of firing in ICC tournaments. Where other teams come with added pressure, New Zealand appear to be at ease.

And the New Zealand that plays in bilateral series is very different to the one that shows up in ICC tournaments. The only team that comes close in terms of this ability is maybe Pakistan. Maybe.

Be it trusting Daryl Mitchell, who has never opened at the top level before, or be it finding unlikely heroes like Jimmy Neesham or Matt Henry when necessary. It is a combination of skill and luck that does not come by accident.

It is not fair to say New Zealand is simply a champion side that comprises of ordinary players unlike teams like England that are made of extraordinary players. New Zealand is a champion side, made of champion cricketers who take turns to showcase that.

Either way, they made it to yet another finals. No shame in losing to a team like that.