Michael Atherton- “Across formats, you would have to say they are the strongest team at the moment” in T20 World Cup 2021

After defeating Eoin Morgan and co. in the 2021 T20 World Cup semi-final, former England captain Michael Atherton lauded New Zealand. Michael Atherton commended the Kiwis on being the best all-format team in the world right now.

This year, New Zealand has given themselves a chance to win their first T20 World Cup. In a nail-biter in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, Kane Williamson and his teammates defeated an in-form England by five wickets. On Sunday, they will play either Pakistan or Australia in the final in Dubai.

Michael Atherton, speaking to Sky Sports, observed that in the last two years, New Zealand has proven to be a highly consistent team across all formats.

“They are an outstanding team, in all formats of the game really. They are through to another World Cup final, they were a sliver away from winning the last World Cup in 2019, they are the World Test Championship winners. Across formats, you would have to say they are the strongest team at the moment so congratulations to them, a fantastic achievement with limited resources in terms of personnel and money and things that we’ve often talked about.” he said

James Neesham

Michael Atherton

The Black Caps have a slim possibility of capturing two ICC titles in the same calendar year. After a sluggish start, Daryl Mitchell’s undefeated 72 helped New Zealand chase down a tough target of 167. James Neesham’s 11-ball 27 put them in front.

“It just changed so quickly tonight. For a long time in that chase, I thought England were ahead of the game. The pitch looked two-paced and sluggish, no one really got going and suddenly Neesham comes out and changed that game with some fantastic hitting. I’m going with Pakistan, I think they have got the best and most varied attack in this competition.” he added

Pakistan appear to be hot favorites in the second semi-final, which will take place in Dubai on Thursday. The men in green are the tournament’s only unbeaten team, with a 16-match winning record in T20s in the UAE.

Read more: Wasim Jaffer has wit and humor in response to Kevin Pietersen: T20 World Cup

Visit also: Ross Taylor congratulates New Zealand on defeating England and reaching their first T20 World Cup final

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