Daryl Mitchell is suddenly a force to be reckoned with after his unbeaten 72 against England took New Zealand to their first-ever T20 World Cup final. Mitchell, initially picked as a finisher, was asked to open in their first warm-up game against Australia. He whacked the Australian bowlers for 33 off 22 balls before retiring, instantly compelling skipper Kane Williamson and coach Gary Stead to give him a longer rope at the top of the order. Scores of 27, 49, 13, 19 and 17 before the eliminator indicated the move was only a moderate success, but his knock against England has done enough to vindicate the punt NZ took.
An inspired move to promote Daryl Mitchell up the order has paid great dividends for New Zealand 🙌
Will the opener deliver the goods again in the #T20WorldCup final? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/GuMV4wAguB
— ICC (@ICC) November 13, 2021