Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Australia, New Zealand seek history in T20 World Cup final

Australia, New Zealand seek history in T20 World Cup final

KANE Williamson's New Zealand eye a second global crown in a single year when they take on Australia at the Twenty20 World Cup final that will witness a new winner on Sunday (14).

New Zealand and Australia renew their trans-Tasman rivalry in Dubai as both teams look to clinch their maiden world title in the shortest format.


It's a hat-trick of ICC finals for the once perennial underdogs of world cricket after they outplayed India to win the inaugural Test championship in June.

They beat favourites England in the semi-final to avenge their 2019 defeat in a dramatic 50-over World Cup final at Lord's when they went down on boundary count after a super over.

Head coach Gary Stead said the Black Caps are excited to take on the Australian challenge in what will be their first ever T20 World Cup final appearance.

"That's probably a final that I'm not sure too many people would have predicted a month or so ago, Australia and New Zealand," said Stead.

The Kiwis though have suffered an injury blow after wicketkeeper Devon Conway was ruled out following a broken hand when he punched his bat on his dismissal in the semi-final.

Jimmy Neesham played a key part in the team's semi-final win over England as he hit 27 off 11 balls to turn the game on its head and win with an over to spare.

"I am sure there will be a bigger outpour of emotion if we manage to get across the line," he said.

Sunday's clash will bring back memories of the 2015 50-over final when Australia beat New Zealand by seven wickets to clinch their fifth ODI World Cup.

Aaron Finch's Australians beat title favourites Pakistan by five wickets in the second semi-final.

"They've got a bunch of guys who are real match winners," said Stead.

"And we're going to have to make sure that our planning, out scouting is right on point and we've got really clear plans for their players because they can rip a game open pretty quickly."

Australia were in trouble at 96-5 while chasing 177 against Pakistan on Thursday (11) before Marcus Stoinis (40) and Matthew Wade (41) put on an unbeaten partnership of 82 to win the match with an over to spare.

Wade smashed Pakistan pace ace Shaheen Shah Afridi for three straight sixes including two audacious scoop shots - the final one sailing over fine leg to silence the Pakistan crowd.

Stoinis said a T20 World Cup title will "mean a bloody lot to us."

"Obviously Test cricket and the Ashes, that's what we grew up with when we played. Then the transformation of T20 cricket. It's not a hit and a giggle anymore in terms of the pressure," said Stoinis.

"I don't think many people gave us a chance leading into this tournament apart from the players and coaching staff. So it's definitely going to mean a bloody lot to us and we will be super proud when we bring that home to Australia."

Coach Justin Langer said: "We have got such a rich history and it'll be nice to add this piece to the puzzle."

Key will be the form of opener David Warner who has plundered 236 runs in the tournament.

Langer lauded the Black Caps for their brand of cricket and said the Aussies will have to bring their best for a maiden title.

"The way New Zealand have gone about their business for the last few years has been outstanding," said Langer.

"They are a really good bunch of blokes. They get on with the job and get it done. We have to be at our best like we have been throughout this tournament to beat New Zealand."

(AFP)

More For You

Ottolenghi crisps

The product is sold online by Ottolenghi for £6.30

iStock

Ottolenghi crisps recalled after allergy warning over mislabelled ingredients

Thousands of packets of pita chips are being urgently recalled over concerns they could cause allergic reactions, including swelling and hives.

The recall affects Vadouvan Spiced Pita Chips sold by Ottolenghi, the Israeli-founded restaurant chain. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the product may contain undeclared celery and mustard, posing a potential health risk to individuals with allergies to either ingredient.

Keep ReadingShow less
David Lammy and S Jaishankar

The phone conversation came amid efforts by India’s strategic partners to reduce tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.

Getty Images

David Lammy speaks to S Jaishankar amid India-Pakistan conflict

INDIA’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar spoke with British foreign secretary David Lammy on Friday and said there must be “zero-tolerance” to terrorism.

The phone conversation came amid efforts by India’s strategic partners to reduce tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.

Keep ReadingShow less
LNWH Charity

The suite is being funded entirely through charitable donations

London North West Healthcare Charity

LNWH Charity launches appeal to fund bereavement suite for parents

London North West Healthcare Charity has launched a fundraising appeal to create a dedicated bereavement suite at Northwick Park Hospital to support parents who have lost a baby.

Named the Myrtle Suite, the facility will be a private, self-contained area within the labour ward, offering grieving families space and privacy during an immensely difficult time. The suite will include a family room, kitchenette, double bedroom and ensuite bathroom, allowing parents to spend time with their baby in a peaceful and comfortable environment.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ali’s Kitchen chef fined for serving curry with nuts despite allergy alert

The curry was ordered from Ali’s Kitchen in Longton, Staffordshire, run by award-winning chef Muhammed Aaban Aamir Ali.

iStock

Ali’s Kitchen chef fined for serving curry with nuts despite allergy alert

Kerry Ashdown

A CURRY containing four different types of nuts was supplied to a customer with a severe allergy – despite staff being warned about his condition, a court heard.

The man went into anaphylactic shock at home and had to use an EpiPen to alleviate symptoms including a tightening of his throat and a rash – and an ambulance was also called.

Keep ReadingShow less
Menopause mindfulness

Menopause is not an end – it is a transformative phase, a powerful invitation to rediscover yourself

Instagram/ itsmitamistry

Menopause mindfulness: Using MBCT to ease emotional and  mental challenges

Mita Mistry

The heat flares up, then fades, leaving behind a chill of uncertainty. Menopause is not just a physical challenge; it is a profound emotional shift, a re-evaluation of identity, roles and the future. What begins with whispers – missed periods, sleepless nights, brain fog – can escalate into a roar, drowning out the quiet undercurrents of emotional upheaval.

We may find ourselves lost, questioning who we are, grappling with a sense of loss, and battling the unwelcome guests of anxiety and irritability.

Keep ReadingShow less