Grant Elliott is someone New Zealand cricket owes a lot to. That six he had hit off Dale Steyn in his dream knock (84 not out) not just took his team to the (50-over) 2015 World Cup final, but also helped the Black Caps to shed their perennial “semi-finalist” tag.

However, in spite of the impact of Elliott’s innings followed by his 83 in the final of that World Cup, a limited-overs world title continues to elude New Zealand though Kane Williamson and his teammates did establish their supremacy in the longest format by winning the inaugural World Test Championship earlier this year.

Having another opportunity to win what would be their first limited-overs title since the Champions Trophy crown 21 years ago, New Zealand need to identify the moment, the situation and then capitalise on them if they are to beat Australia in Sunday’s T20 World Cup final in Dubai, Elliott believes.

“T20 is all about the feel on the day. Sometimes players just have a bad day, and it’s about identifying that moment and the situation, and then capitalising on it,” Elliott told The Telegraph from Wellington on Saturday.

“As we have seen on these (UAE) wickets, you need to get yourself in before launching (on the rival bowlers). So maybe targeting the bowlers bowling at the backend would be the strategy New Zealand might look at.

“I think New Zealand won’t change much with regard to their bowling blueprint. It will be about assessing the conditions during the game, and adapting a game plan according to the situation. The pace of (Adam) Milne, spin of (Mitchell) Santner and (Ish) Sodhi as well

as the accuracy of (Trent) Boult and (Tim) Southee will also be key,” the 42-year-old, who represented New Zealand in five Tests, 83 ODIs and 17 T20Is, said.

‘Huge blow’

The absence of wicketkeeper-batsman Devon Conway (out with injury in the right hand) is a “huge blow” to New Zealand, Elliott feels, as captain Williamson and Glenn Phillips may now have to take extra workload in the middle order.

“I think this puts more pressure on Phillips and Williamson. Conway is a fantastic player and being a left-hander who can rotate the strike while spinners are on also makes him invaluable.

“But at present, I see Tim Seifert sliding into the middle order, unless New Zealand lose a wicket in the first two overs. Maybe Seifert can then come in to try and get ahead of the game,” Elliott, who last played an International match in September 2017, reasoned.

Kane’s leadership

Calling his former teammate “a true modern-day leader”, Elliott also highlighted how Williamson has evolved as a captain and what sets him apart from his counterparts. “He’s more aggressive, less defensive and rotates his bowlers beautifully. He’s a leader who leads by performance and is totally down to earth.

“He’s understated with no ego, something which Brendon (McCullum) wanted in our team... No egos, no superstars and everyone pulling in the same direction. Selfless acts while playing were always recognised,” Elliott emphasised.