Kane Williamson’s New Zealand and Eoin Morgan-led England will battle for white-ball supremacy in the first semi-final of the ICC World T20 2021 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. After losing the 2019 World Cup final to England by the barest of margins, Williamson’s New Zealand side will hope to avenge their previous losses against the Three Lions in ICC events on Wednesday.

Before New Zealand’s heart-breaking loss in the 2019 World Cup final, the Black Caps were dumped out of the T20 World Cup by England in 2016. Already missing the services of 2019 World Cup heroes – Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes, England had also suffered a major setback in the form of opener Jason Roy and pace bowler Tymal Mills, who were ruled out from the prestigious tournament due to their respective injuries in the Super 12 phase. 

However, England remained clinical in the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup by outclassing the likes of the West Indies, Bangladesh, Australia, and Sri Lanka. Williamson’s New Zealand shattered India’s hopes of entering the semi-finals by defeating Afghanistan in their final group stage fixture. While England have contested two T20 World Cup finals, New Zealand are still eyeing their maiden berth in the summit clash of the elite tournament.

Former world champions England also have the bragging rights over New Zealand in the shortest format. The Three Lions have won 13 of their previous 21 T20Is against the Kiwis. England have also defeated New Zealand on three occasions at the T20 World Cup. Veteran opener Martin Guptill is the highest run-getter for the Black Caps in the England vs New Zealand matches.

Guptill has scored 467 runs against the former world champions in the shortest format. England captain Morgan is the leading run-scorer for the Three Lions against the Black Caps. Morgan has amassed 424 runs at an average of 35.33 against the Kiwis. Star spinner Mitchell Santner (16) has bagged the most wickets for the Black Caps in England vs New Zealand fixtures.