“Australia have an edge over New Zealand in the final”, says Wasim Akram

Pakistan former legendary fast bowler, Wasim Akram backed Australia to win the T20 World Cup as he believes that Aussies have a slight edge over New Zealand.

“Australia looks 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,” Akram told India Today.

Wasim believes that Australian left-hander David Warner regained his form at the appropriate time, as he is one of the key players in the team

“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,” Akram said.

The veteran cricketer said that despite Steve Smith’s struggles, Australia is still a force to be reckoned with.

“Although Steve Smith is struggling so far in this Australian lineup, 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.

Won’t be surprised to see Aussies win the finals: Kevin Pietersen

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen also has picked Australia as the favourites to win the tournament.

“New Zealand seems to have all bases covered, but I fancy Australia,” Kevin Pieterson told Betway.

“History suggests that when you get these two together in a major final, the Aussies blow the Kiwis away. It’s what happened in the World Cup final in 2015 in Melbourne. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Australia lift the trophy on Sunday,” he said.

“It’s the Australian way that when it is ‘do or die’, they do. They’ll just get the job done. That’s why they’ve been a formidable opponent for such a long time. If they get themselves into a semi-final of a major tournament, they’ll find something extra,” he added.

Both teams have been displaying exceptional performance throughout the tournament. New Zealand defeated England by 5 wickets in the first semi-final, while Australia, who holds the title of four times ICC Cricket World Cup champion title, defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets in the second semi-final.

The Kiwis and Kangaroos eye for their maiden T20 World Cup in Dubai.

Both teams will lock horns in the final match of the ICC T20 World Cup on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium.

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