The first semi-final of the T20 World Cup will be played between England and New Zealand today. Know all the special things related to this match, the strength and weaknesses of the teams, and the names of the players.
Today, when England and New Zealand clash in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2021, the players of both the teams will have memories of the final of the 2019 ODI World Cup when England won the title for hitting more boundaries. New Zealands team would definitely like to avenge that defeat. At the same time, the title contenders but facing the problem of injured players, England will try to dominate New Zealand in the first semi-final with the help of some of their elite players. England has lived up to their laurels in the tournament but their loss in the last Super-12 match against South Africa made it clear that the Eoin Morgan-led side is not invincible.
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England has suffered a setback after opener Jason Roy was ruled out with an injury. Roy and Jos Buttler have been an explosive opening pair of the tournament. Roy is out of the World Cup and in such a situation, Jonny Bairstow can come along with Butler to open the innings. For England, players like Butler, Bairstow and Moeen Ali have been special who has the ability to turn the game on their own. Sam Billings can be kept in the playing XI as a middle-order batsman in place of Roy. The positive side for England is that most of their batsmen have spent time at the crease and are ready for the semi-finals.
Englands problem and strength in bowling
In bowling, the teams concern has increased after English pacer Tymal Mills was ruled out of the tournament due to a thigh injury. Mills was doing well in the death overs. This would be an area that the opposing team would like to take advantage of. Mark Wood has the pace but not the variety like Mills. He was the most expensive bowler against South Africa. England, however, will try to forget that defeat and start afresh. The role of spinners Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid will be crucial. They would like to put pressure on New Zealand by getting successes in the powerplay and the middle overs.
New Zealand certainly has the best bowlers in the tournament, restricting a strong team like India for 110 runs. Even a dangerous team like Afghanistan could score only 125 runs against him. It is not easy to face the dangerous pair of Trent Boult and Tim Southee who bowl with excellent line-lengths. Lockie Fergusons dismissal due to injury could have messed up his strategy but Adam Milne did not let him miss him. Both the spinners Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner have also been effective.
Average 1st innings score:
The average first innings score on this wicket is 153.
Record of chasing teams:
The team batting second has great records here. They have maintained a winning percentage of 60 on this ground.
ENG vs NZ ICC T20 World Cup 2021 1st Semi-Final Match Injury Update and Availability News:
Jason Roy has been ruled out of T20 World Cup owing to a calf injury. James Vince has replaced him in the English squad.ENG vs NZ ICC T20 World Cup 2021 1st Semi-Final Match Weather Report:
The temperature at Abu Dhabi is expected to hover around 28°C on the matchday with 51 % humidity and 18 km/hr wind speed. There are no chances of precipitation during the game.
Also Read:Jason Roy ruled out of the T20 World Cup; Vince added to squad
ENG vs NZ ICC T20 World Cup 2021 1st Semi-Final Match Pitch Report:
The surface at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium is a balanced one, with adequate assistance for both batters and bowlers on offer in both innings almost equally. It is expected to provide some initial help to the swing bowlers while the spinners might play an important role in the middle half. Since it is a night game, dew might be a factor to consider.
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