Ahmedabad, March 8 (IANS) Defending champions India will face off against New Zealand in the final match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

India is coming to the contest by beating England in a thriller in the semi-final on Thursday, while on the other side, New Zealand handed a 9-wicket defeat to South Africa on Wednesday.

Although the contest is between two strong teams, the outcome is likely to hinge on standout individual displays and crucial head-to-head battles on the field. Here are a few key matchups to watch out for in the title clash.

Matt Henry vs Indian openers

New Zealand's most experienced pacer could pose a serious challenge for India’s openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. The experienced seamer is expected to take the new ball and test the duo early with good-length balls and pace. Henry had previously dismissed Samson in the Guwahati T20I.

Henry took a crucial 2-34 in the semifinal against South Africa in Kolkata shortly after returning from paternity leave. He provided key breakthroughs throughout the tournament, including 1-19 against England and 2-3 against Sri Lanka in the Super 8s stage.

Mitchell Santner vs Suryakumar Yadav

The battle between the skippers will be intriguing in the final, with Mitchell Santner having dismissed Suryakumar Yadav three times in the T20Is. Santner also has a strong record for New Zealand against India at previous T20 World Cups, having played in both their recent victories with a four-wicket haul and Player of the Match performance in their meeting at the 2016 edition.

Cole McConchie vs India's left-handers

New Zealand's young spinner Cole McConchie has played a big role in the tournament. He picked up two crucial wickets in the semi-finals against South Africa. McConchie can trouble Abhishek Sharma, who is struggling against the off-spinners. He can also cause problems for other left-handed batters like Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube.

Bumrah vs New Zealand batters

Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah can single-handedly move the match in India's favour. Bumrah has been in prime touch in the ongoing tournament. He bowled a brilliant spell in the semi-finals. Bumrah can take out the openers as well as the finishers when he comes to bowl at the death.

Arshdeep Singh vs New Zealand openers

India's leading wicket-taker in T20Is Arshdeep Singh, can trouble the New Zealand openers, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, who are in good touch. Arshdeep's ability to move the ball on both sides can be of good use to India with the new ball.

Arshdeep finished as the leading wicket-taker during India's recent T20I series just before the T20 World Cup, so the left-handed seamer will fancy his chances against the Kiwis.

--IANS

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