New Zealand vs Australia - 4 key battles | ICC T20 World Cup final 2021

#3 Adam Zampa (Australia) vs Ish Sodhi (New Zealand)

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

This is not a direct head-to-head per se, but both Australia's Adam Zampa and New Zealand's Ish Sodhi have been excellent in the tournament. They have made use of the conditions wonderfully. Moreover, both are bowlers who always look to take wickets, and both have economies well under par for T20 cricket.

Fortunately or unfortunately, both will come up against some good players of spin, which is why this battle becomes a key one. Whether Sodhi can keep Maxwell and Warner quiet or Zampa can do likewise to Kane Williamson and Glenn Philips quiet could well be key in the context of the game.

Both teams won their semi-final games with heavy hitting at the death, the middle overs battle would be key. In Kane Williamson, New Zealand have one of the best players of spin. Meanwhile, in Maxwell, Australia have one of the most attacking players against slow bowlers.

The two team's fortunes could well depend on how they fare against the main opposition spinner on the day.

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#4 James Neesham (New Zealand) vs Mitchell Marsh (Australia)

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

From the battle of the spinners, we move to the battle of the all-rounders. Both James Neesham and Mitchell Marsh played key knocks in the semi-finals to get their teams over the line. They might have to do so again on Sunday.

Marsh has been pivotal to Australia's batting, and has delivered most times when called upon. He has also served as Australia's handy sixth bowling option for the team, slipping in an over or two.

James Neesham, meanwhile, has done all that and more, while managing to pick wickets. As a bowler who mostly bowls near the death, he is more vital to New Zealand's bowling than it may look like at first glance. And as a finisher, he sure packs a punch, something which he showcased against England.

The two men have contrasting roles, though. Marsh's is to consolidate in the middle overs and set up the chase for the finishers. Meanwhile, Neesham's is to put the finishing touches in both batting and bowling. Nevertheless, both are vital cogs in the wheel for the two finalists.