New Delhi, March 7 (NationPress) The strategy New Zealand employs against India's premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah during the Men's T20 World Cup final will be influenced by the game's context rather than adhering to a predetermined plan, according to former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull.

Openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert will be in the spotlight during the crucial match scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. They recently set a record for the highest partnership runs in a single tournament edition, amassing 117 runs against South Africa in the semi-finals. Their cumulative runs as a pair total 463, with an impressive strike-rate of 183, including two century partnerships.

The performance of this explosive opening duo against India's pace attack, led by Bumrah, with support from Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya, could be critical in determining the tournament's champion.

"Facing Bumrah in the powerplay changes significantly based on the match situation. If New Zealand starts strong in the first couple of overs, Bumrah may bowl the fourth. Conversely, if they are dominant early, he might come in for the third over. Generally, Bumrah is used to complete the powerplay if India is doing well, often coming on to bowl the fifth or sixth over to stabilize the innings," Doull explained during an exclusive interview with IANS prior to the final.

Doull emphasized that Bumrah is not a bowler who serves up bad deliveries. He cautioned that attempting to force runs against him could lead to quick dismissals. From New Zealand's perspective, if Bumrah concedes between 25 to 30 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket, it would be seen as a victory for them.

Bumrah's impact has been evident throughout the tournament. In the high-scoring semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where nearly 500 runs were scored, he managed to contain runs at just over eight an over while taking 1-33. He restricted the opposition significantly, conceding only 14 runs in his final two overs, which proved crucial for India's success.

With a total of 10 wickets in seven innings at an economy rate of 6.6, Bumrah ranks among the tournament's most economical bowlers, alongside New Zealand's Mitchell Santner. On his home ground, Bumrah is expected to play a pivotal role in tipping the scales in India's favor.

Doull noted that Allen's approach towards various bowlers will be critical; he anticipates that Allen will focus on targeting Pandya while being more cautious against the left-arm pace of Arshdeep.

"The decision to attack spin early against the openers will be significant, and Bumrah, typically bowling one over in the powerplay, will be a key factor. I believe Finn Allen may target Hardik more than Arshdeep, as left-arm seam has occasionally troubled him. However, given his form in the semi-final, he will enter the final with immense confidence," Doull shared.

Allen has emerged as one of the most formidable openers in T20 cricket, known for his aggressive style. He first garnered attention during the 2022 World Cup with a blistering 42 runs off 16 balls against Mitchell Starc. Currently participating in various franchise leagues like the IPL, T20 Blast, Big Bash League, and MLC, Allen has further honed his skills alongside some of cricket’s top talents.

Despite a quiet tournament leading up to the semi-final, Allen showcased his prowess by scoring a record-breaking century in just 33 balls against South Africa.

During this tournament, Allen has accumulated 289 runs over seven innings, achieving a remarkable average of 57.8 and a striking strike-rate of 204. His dominance while chasing is highlighted by 206 runs at an average of 103, complemented by an impressive strike-rate of 222. He currently leads the tournament in sixes with 20 maximums.

"One of the most impressive developments in Finn Allen’s game over the past year is his improved ability to structure an innings. Initially, he was overly aggressive, lacking the understanding of pacing his innings. Now, even after a 33-ball century, he refrains from seeking risky shots if they aren't available," Doull commented.

"He has an exceptional ability to strike the ball straight, regardless of whether it’s a full toss or a delivery on the rise. His understanding of the game at the international level has grown considerably since his debut, which is a natural progression over time. Taking on Arshdeep and Hardik upfront won’t be an easy challenge," Doull added.

Doull also observed that India will be acutely aware of the threats posed by Allen and Seifert, particularly after Allen and Daryll Mitchell attacked Bumrah in a previous encounter, resulting in Bumrah's most expensive T20I figures of 0/58 in Thiruvananthapuram in January.

"Without a doubt, the opening partnership of Finn Allen and Tim Seifert has been outstanding throughout the tournament. Their performance against South Africa demonstrated that if they can get New Zealand off to a strong start, it alleviates pressure on the middle order if they are needed later on," he remarked.

Doull highlighted that Allen is slightly more powerful, while Seifert excels in driving the ball square. Their complementary styles and strong communication will be crucial, impacting the match's dynamics whether New Zealand bats first or second.

"These two will certainly have India focused on them. They understand that if they can disrupt that opening partnership, they can significantly influence the game," Doull concluded.

If the top order fails to deliver, Doull emphasized the importance of middle-order batsmen Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman, who have had limited opportunities during the tournament. Mitchell has scored only 63 runs, while Chapman has managed 91 runs.

"They haven't had many chances to bat during the tournament. Daryl Mitchell performed exceptionally well in the pre-tournament series against India, finishing several matches strongly. His abilities are undeniable,” Doull said.

"For Chapman, it's time for him to step up and deliver on the world stage. He possesses remarkable skills, especially against spin. Thus, it’s essential for both players to capitalize on any opportunities they receive to contribute significantly," he concluded.