The world has witnessed Australia's domination in the gentleman's game. However, no one predicted the T20 world cup 2021 winner to be Aussies before the start of the tournament. Every cricket fan was considering India and England as the favourites for the world cup. But proving all of them wrong, the 5 times ODI world champions and 2 times Champions trophy winners clinched their first T20 world cup title, following their long wait of 14 years.
Author:- Ashwin Jangam (Cricket Analyst, host, poet, entertainer)
Insta I'd:- cricket_creativity
The Kangaroos reminded the world of what they possess. Before this tournament, they lost the last 4 T20 series they played, the last one being against Bangladesh which they lost with a huge margin of 4-1. It was therefore not expected from them to win this tournament. But, Aussies always have surprises for their countrymen and cricket fans.
They started the tournament on a good note beating South Africa in a close encounter, and they followed it by winning against Sri Lanka in the next game. The 3rd game against England was the only encounter they lost in the entire tournament, where they were thrashed by the English team. But they resurrected in the best possible manner by a ruthless display of batting and bowling against Bangladesh, winning the game comfortably and increasing their NRR. The last game of Super 12 against West Indies also resulted in a victory for the Men in Yellow.
Aussies qualified with a better NRR, even though they had the same number of wins as Proteas. And they were unleashed thereafter. Proving their team's dominance yet again, they won against Pakistan in the semi-final in one of the most enthralling encounters one can witness. A seemingly impossible task at the end, with 41 required off 18 balls was accomplished by the Aussies with 6 balls to spare, thanks to Matthew Wade and his heroics (also to Hassan Ali's dropped catch). It was a replica of the 2010 world cup semifinal of Aussies against the same opponent where Mr cricket won the game for Kangaroos.
The final match was a replica of the 2015 world cup final, the only difference being the fightback and a good total score by the Kiwis. Winning the toss, Aussies chose to bowl. Barring a sensational knock from the Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson, the Black Caps didn't go hard at the Kangaroos. A total of 173 set by the Kiwis, was comfortably chased by Men in Yellow with Warner and Mitchell Marsh contributing to the win with their half-centuries. The final reverse sweep by Glenn Maxwell sealed the things for Aussies, winning them the first T20 world title.
The entire tournament had been a collective team effort. David Warner, who had a forgettable IPL, showed the world his class yet again and was one of the major reasons for the rise of Aussies with his batting. He was very well accompanied by Mitchell Marsh in the entire tournament. Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade contributed to the team exactly when it was required for them to win. The Aussie bowling was also impressive throughout the tournament. Adam Zampa, with his spin, was on the top of the chart of wickets for Aussies, scalping wickets when required and getting a 5-wicket haul against Bangladesh. He was very well complimented by the spearhead Starc, Josh Hazelwood, Patrick Cummins. All in all, the team effort of the Aussies was the major reason for their successful campaign.
Maybe in near future, one can find aliens, but one will never find an Australian team not giving fightback to their opposition. The fighting spirit of the Aussies and their intent aid their optimism to reach Australian cricket to glory. This is exactly why, the team which was not even considered as a favourite until the final eventually won it and surprised everyone, including their fans. This was the first T20 world cup for Kangaroos, who knows how many more are to come in the future? Only time will tell.
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