T20 World Cup 2021 Final, New Zealand vs Australia: Former players predict winners

Bengaluru, November 14: Australia and New Zealand will square off in the finals of the T20 World Cup on Sunday (November 14) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai and some ex players picked their winners.

As Australia and New Zealand aim for their elusive T20 World title, a few former players picked their winners and shared some banter on social media.

Former New Zealand skipper and Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Brendon McCullum backed the Kiwis to win the title, stating Australia have plenty of "match-winners" but skipper Kane Williamson and the team will get over the line.

T20 World Cup Winners: Full list of champions from India in 2007 to West Indies in 2016

"All the best to both teams @BLACKCAPS and @CricketAus tonight in the T20 World Cup Final. Aus boys have plenty of match winners but I feel it may be Kane and the boys time," McCullum tweeted.

In response to McCullum's tweet, former Australia batter and KKR mentor David Hussey said: "Incorrect! Oz to smack the kiwis tonight."

Incorrect! Oz to smack the kiwis tonight. https://t.co/YRdsPwLrg5

— David Hussey (@DavidHussey29) November 14, 2021

Meanwhile, spin legend Shane Warne made a list of predictions including the best formers from both sides and as expected picked Australia to win their first ever T20 World Cup.

#ICCT20WorldCup2021 predictions for @Dafabet

1. Aust bowl/restrict NZ 155
2. Phillips most 6’s NZ
3. Milne best bowler NZ
4. Mitchell top scorer NZ
5. Marsh top score Oz.
6. Maxwell most 6’s Oz
7. Pat C best bowler Oz
7. Aussies win by 6 wkts

Exclusive action @FoxCricket

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) November 14, 2021

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer took to his usual cryptic way to express how he feels about tonight's match.

😉 #AUSvNZ #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/2w3aKRCMQt

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 14, 2021

Former West Indies skipper, Brain Lara took to his official Twitter handle and predicted the winner of the tournament: "Neither team has ever won this title before. For me, NZ looks like the team to beat, and are my choice for champions!"

Who's your choice for the new T20 World Cup champion?🏆

Neither team has ever won this title before. For me, NZ looks like the team to beat, & are my choice for champions!

May the best team win.#T20WorldCupFinal #ausvsnz #w88
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Win my signed bats at https://t.co/mxSy58OXLI pic.twitter.com/x3rBgt8L6Q

— Brian Lara (@BrianLara) November 14, 2021

Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Farveez Mahroof wished both the teams luck and said may the best team win.

"Expecting a close game in todays #T20WorldCupFinal 2 high quality teams with full of super star's. Wishing both @BLACKCAPS & @CricketAus all the best & May the best team today wins itThumbs up #AusVsNZ," tweeted Maharoof.

Expecting a close game in todays #T20WorldCupFinal 2 high quality teams with full of super star’s. Wishing both @BLACKCAPS & @CricketAus all the best & May the best team today wins it👍🏽 #AusVsNZ

— Farveez Maharoof (@farveezmaharoof) November 14, 2021

Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson wished his compatriots all the best for the final.

"Thanks for having me #Dubai certainly a lot longer than hoped but you were great 🙏 Going to miss @T20WorldCup Final but will be supporting the @BLACKCAPS from the ✈️ home. A small price to pay to see loved ones again. To those still trying to get home to #NewZealand Good Luck," Hesson posted.

Thanks for having me #Dubai certainly a lot longer than hoped but you were great 🙏
Going to miss @T20WorldCup Final but will be supporting the @BLACKCAPS from the ✈️ home. A small price to pay to see loved ones again. To those still trying to get home to #NewZealand Good Luck 😢 pic.twitter.com/r2UY9Tm3OT

— Mike Hesson (@CoachHesson) November 14, 2021

Both Australia and New Zealand had near similar results as they registered 5-wicket wins defeating tournament favourites Pakistan and England respectively in their semifinals. Now, the two sides will battle it out for their first ever T20 World Cup title.