England and New Zealand will take on each other in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Considering the recent history of these two teams in ICC events, a mouthwatering contest is expected.
Both teams have undergone changes since that epic World Cup final at Lord’s two and a half years back. However, despite being a different format, the approach remains the same. England still bank on their swashbuckling power hitters, whereas New Zealand’s strength still lies in aggressive bowling.
With no Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow is likely open the innings. In the middle order, Eoin Morgan may prefer someone like Sam Billings, who has played a lot cricket on these UAE pitches in recent times, ahead of James Vince.
Among bowlers, Mark Wood was drafted into the XI against South Africa for the last game in place of the injured Tymal Mills. His four overs went for 47. Whether the team management backs him or play someone like David Willey or Tom Curran remains to be seen.
Things look settled for Kane Williamson’s New Zealand, who were beaten by England in the 2016 T20 World Cup semi-final as well. However, against a power-packed England, they have to lift their game, particularly in the batting. They are likely to be outdone by England if it comes to a battle of power hitting.
On the other hand, New Zealand have one of the most versatile attacks in the world. With the new ball and at the death, overs, they have likes of Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Adam Milne, whereas Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner have bowled wonderfully in the middle overs.
Against England, this attack will face their stiffest challenge in this World Cup, for Abu Dhabi has been the most batting friendly of the three surfaces. However, perhaps as importantly, dew has not really affected bowlers in the second half here.
Likely XIs
England: Jos Buttler (wk), Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Moeen Ali, Eoin Morgan (c), Sam Billings, Liam Livingstone, Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway (wk), Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult
Fantasy tips
- England have trusted Moeen and Livingstone to perform the job of fifth bowler so far, and both have done well. You can bank on the duo to perform in this crunch game.
- Bairstow will open the innings for England, which may change his fortunes with bat in this tournament.
- Sodhi has been one of the best bowlers of the World Cup. Given the big boundaries in Abu Dhabi, he may be a decent pick.
Fantasy XI
- Jos Buttler (wk), Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Moeen Ali (c), Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi (vc)