T20 WC final: Bowlers who can be impactful in Ahmedabad
What's the story
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Final is set to be a thrilling contest between India and New Zealand. The match will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 8. As both teams have shown their mettle throughout the tournament, a high-voltage battle is on the cards. Meanwhile, here we look at the bowlers who can be effective in the upcoming game.
Pitch report
How will the pitch behave?
The final will be played on a mixed-soil surface combining red and black soil, which is expected to produce a high-scoring contest. Analysts expect a par total of around 200 runs. However, the bigger dimensions of the ground should aid spinners. Dew is expected during the second innings, making it difficult for spinners to grip and easier for batters to strike through the line. Owing to the same, the captain winning the toss may opt to bowl first.
Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra can torment right-handers
Mostly known for his batting brilliance, Rachin Ravindra has been phenomenal with his left-arm spin. The spinner has taken 11 wickets in the tournament so far. As per ESPNcricinfo, has been particularly effective against right-handed batsmen, claiming eight wickets in six innings at an impressive economy rate of 6.32. With Sanju Samson being in top form, NZ skipper Mitchell Santner might introduce Ravindra in the powerplay.
Henry
Henry can make the new ball talk
Pacer Matt Henry has arguably been the best new-ball bowler in T20I cricket over the last couple of years. The in-form Samson must be cautions while facing Matt Henry as the latter dismissed him twice across 10 balls in the T20I series held earlier this year. The series also saw him trap Abhishek Sharma once. Hence, Henry's opening spell can severely impact the match.
Bumrah
Eyes will be on evergreen Bumrah
India's bowling attack will face a New Zealand top order coming off record-breaking performances. Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier weapon, enters the final fresh from reaching a milestone of 500 international wickets during the semi-final against England. His ability to bowl accurate yorkers will be critical in neutralizing Finn Allen's power-hitting in the Powerplay and stalling Tim Seifert's late-innings acceleration with his disciplined death bowling. Notably, Bumrah has an economy rate of 6.62 in this T20 WC (10 wickets at 15.90).
Chakravarthy
Can Varun Chakravarthy overcome his poor run?
Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy must find his mojo back. His last four outings have resulted in just four wickets and an economy of 11.62. He conceded a whopping 64 runs while taking just one wicket during the semi-final match against England. However, with the boundaries being on the larger side, Chakravarthy can be mighty effective in the middle overs. The spinner would be required to tackle the likes of Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips in this phase.