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Australia win maiden T20 World Cup title after Warner, Marsh heroics foil New Zealand's bid for ICC double

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 11/15/2021 12:17:15 PM

Dubai, Nov 14 David Warner, Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazlewood emerged as heroes on the big night in Dubai as Australia ended their 14-yearlong wait for a maiden T20 World Cup trophy. Australia made light work of a 173-run target as Kane Williamson's stunning 85 went in vain for New Zealand in the final of T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday. Australia had every major limited-overs trophy in their decorated cabinet (5 50-over World Cups and 2 ICC Champions Trophy crowns) but they had to wait long for glory in the shortest format of the game. While they slipped in the final hurdle in 2010, Australia never came close to winning a trophy until the 2021 edition. Interestingly, for the first time in the history of major ICC tournaments, Australia did not begin as favorites as they had a horror run in T20is in the lead up to the big showpiece event, losing series in Bangladesh and West Indies. Their star opener David Warner was having a tumultuous time, having been dropped from the Sunrisers Hyderabad side in IPL 2021. However, the stars aligned for Australia as the group, overseen by under-fire coach Justin Langer, peaked at the right time to emerge victorious and prove a point to the cricket fraternity. New Zealand missed out on an opportunity to complete a World Test Championship and T20 World Cup double as Kane Williamson's men were outclassed on the big night by their familiar foes. New Zealand's inability to beat their Trans-Tasman rivals in major tournaments continues. Australia set a new record for the highest-successful run chase as they gunned down 173 with 7 balls to spare, thanks to a scintillating 77 not out from 50 balls from Mitchell Marsh and a 38-ball 53 from David Warner. Josh Hazlewood shone with figures of 3/16 even as he dropped Kane Williamson on 21 before the New Zealand captain hit a 48- ball 85 in the first innings after New Zealand were asked to bat first in the big final.