After losing to Australia in the 2023 ICC World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad, Indians hope they will get a reason to celebrate as the team takes on New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final here.
Fans are a bit cautious, as even during a recent Super 8 clash, the team had lost to South Africa at the same stadium. With this, some fans have now associated the venue with the “11 yellow jersey jinx”, as players of both South Africa and Australia wear yellow. However, on Sunday, things will be different as the ‘jinx’ won’t be on the mind of the Men in Blue as they face the Black Caps.
Just before entering the crucial stage, the Indian team got a major boost, with Sanju Samson coming into form. However, New Zealand, known for winning hearts, reached Ahmedabad riding on a jaw-dropping fastest ton by opener Finn Allen and luck.
The last two matches of both the teams remained exciting but also left them with a lot of doubts.
Despite an early loss to South Africa, New Zealand reached the Super 8 stage after wins against Afghanistan, the UAE and Canada. Their Super 8 opener against Pakistan was washed out and in their next game, the Kiwis defeated the co-hosts Sri Lanka by 61 runs. After they went down in their last league game against England, the New Zealand team were expected to return home. However, Sri Lanka made it up for New Zealand by posting the minimum runs required against Pakistan and helped the side reach the semis.
In the semifinal, the heroics of Allen and a fine bowling performance turned the otherwise humble New Zealand team into a big danger for the Indian side.
On the other hand, the Indian side had their share of scares before getting their ticket to the final. After clearing their league stage, the Indian team faced a 76-run defeat against South Africa at this very venue.
However, two consecutive wins against Zimbabwe and the West Indies helped them reach the semis.
Playing in Mumbai, the side posted the highest-ever T20 total at the Wankhede Stadium but managed to pull off only a seven-run win over England.
While Samson’s comeback is a major relief before the final, the average performance of bowlers, barring Jasprit Bumrah, will be a concern for the co-hosts.
Toss factor important
On Sunday evening, the toss will play an important role for both the teams. The final match will be played on a fresh pitch, which hosted only one game at the league stage. The flat track hints at some good features for batsmen and just like the last match in Mumbai, the team setting a high total will be able to put the chasing team under pressure. Dew is most unlikely to trouble the Sunday game, and the par score is expected to be 200 and beyond. The last score on the same pitch was 213, posted by South Africa, and in reply Canada managed 156. However, given the depth in batting of both teams, even the predicted par score would be less.
Coach, skipper review preparation
On the eve of the final game, BCCI’s Chairman, Selection Committee, Ajit Agarkar, and Indian coach Gautam Gambhir spent a good time talking on the edge of the playing track. Skipper Surya Kumar Yadav joined the conversation, and perhaps the trio were giving a final touch to tomorrow’s game plan. At this venue, the Indian team had some devastating memories with the team wearing yellow colours. The Indian team faced a massive six-wicket defeat in the 2023 ICC World Cup final against Australia, and recently in the ongoing tournament, the side went down against South Africa in the Super 8 opener.
India look to script history in Ahmedabad T20 final
