Australia vs New Zealand: 5 key battles
New Zealand have go off to a rollicking start in the ICC WorldT20 by handing a sound thrashing to India in Nagpur on a raging turner, and all of a sudden their stocks have reason almost exponentially. They will now be up against a rather unsettled Australia and in many ways will even start as favourites against them.The clash which will take place in Dharamshala will have several key moments and many mini-contests thrown in between them. Australia it seems have not embraced this format with conviction and in spite of the success of the Big Bash League, their international performance has not inspired any confidence.This is the only trophy that has so far evaded the grasp of the Australia, and one can never rule them out ever in any ICC tournaments. New Zealand on the other hand have been the perennial dark horses going into any tournament and they have always punched above their weight.The presence of Shane Watson, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Martin Guptill, Corey Anderson among others makes this clash a mouth-watering prospect.We look at the 5 potential clashes that can change the course of the match.
#1 Shane Watson vs Mitchell Santner
The pitch at Nagpur was a dustbowl and Santner ruled proceedings and shocked India. A young guy who is in his formidable years turns the ball and his not shy to bowl in the powerplays. After his inspired performance in the first match he will now be the one to watch out for.
Shane Watson on the other hand has been instrumental to the Twenty20 team ever since he has staged a comeback, and has provided powerful starts for the team. He however will face a challenge in the form of Santner who will spin the ball away from him and who varies the pace and length with deception.
Santner is also a good lusty hitter and will be up against the experienced Watson who bowls at the death and in the middle overs. A battle between a young turk and an experienced hand adds a different colour to the contest.