NZ vs AUS LIVE: Ex-Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram wants revenge, backs Aussies to win T20 World Cup final – Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram feels Australia “have an edge” over New Zealand as the two teams prepare to face off in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday. The Kiwis, led by Kane Williamson, reached the semi-finals with a thumping win over favourites England, while Australia registered a similar win over Pakistan to book their place in the summit clash. The Trans Tasman rivalry adds much-needed drama to the T20 World Cup final, which promises to be an exciting clash in Dubai.
NZ vs AUS LIVE: Ex-Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram backs Australia to win T20 World Cup final
New Zealand vs Australia: Pakistan bowling legend Wasim Akram has backed the Australians to lift their maiden T20 World Cup title when Aaron Finch and Co. take the field on Sunday in Dubai. One of the most devastating bowlers of all time, Akram says that Australia have peaked at the right time and weren’t favourites coming into the tournament.
David Warner scored a fine 49 in the semi-final against Pakistan and has been Australia’s leading run-getter in the tournament with two half-centuries. Akram believes that the elft-hander’s upturn in form has been key, which has certainly made them favourites for the T20 World Cup final.
The former Pakistan pacer told India Today, “Australia weren’t the favourites because of their recent performances and T20I form. David Warner was one of the main parts of their team, especially in T20 cricket. He’s a very aggressive batsman and is in good form, peaked at the right time.”
NZ vs AUS LIVE: Ex-Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram backs Australia to win T20 World Cup final
New Zealand vs Australia: Wasim Akram added that while Aaron Finch and Co. have been far from perfect in the T20 World Cup, they still “hold an edge” over New Zealand when the two teams take the field for the final. The Pakistan legend added, “Although Steve Smith is struggling so far in this Australian lineup but they are still looking good. Their fast bowling attack is also looking good, in the knockouts, Maxwell and Stoinis have been their fifth bowler and New Zealand will be eyeing on them (taking them on).”
He added, “But in general, Australia look very strong, especially after the semifinal win. If you ask me ‘who are the favourites for tomorrow’?, I think Australians have an edge for Sunday’s final.”