Before the T20 World Cup got underway in October, many theories did the rounds. Some experts said Virat Kohli will lift his first ICC title as Team India T20 captain, while some said Pakistan were top favourites because they've played enough cricket in UAE.

Favourites in many circles, mighty strong England also fell by the wayside, while South Africa and West Indies didn't have enough in the tank to go all the way.

We have now come to the point where two teams -- New Zealand and Australia -- are within sniffing distance of the title. Both the sides are peaking at the right time, but New Zealand are on the backfoot for missing out on the services of wicketkeeper-batter Devon Conway, who injured his right hand in frustration getting dimissed in the semi-final versus England.

Let's cut straight to the point, and see how the two teams fared in the tournament so far.

Let's start with the good boys, New Zealand:

Slip up for starters

The Kiwis lost the encounter by five wickets to an effervescent Babar Azam-led Pakistan. Batting first, the Black Caps were choked to 134/8, and then it was a cakewalk for the Men in Green.

The shot in the arm versus India

This was the game that gave the Black Caps the taste of victory. Their bowlers came to the fore to restrict Virat Kohli and Co. to a paltry 110/7. The Kiwis had arrived with a thumping win with an easy chase.

Surprise fight versus Scotland

Batting first, the Kiwis had posted 172/5, and chasing this total was a task tantamount to pushing mountains. But the Scots put up a brave fight, but fell short by 16 runs in the end.

Leaving Namibia numb

Kane Williamson and his men were, by now, enjoying the momentum they had earned. The Kiwis pumelled the minnows by 52 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Chasing a 164-run target, Namibia were left high and dry.

Afghans no match for Kiwis

The Black Caps had to beat Afghanistan, to not let India get a backdoor entry into the tournament knockouts via the net run-rate factor. And they were on song right from the start. Restricting the opposition to 124/8, Kane and company cantered to victory with eight wickets in hand.

Humbling the Three Lions

This was the game that showed the domination New Zealand are capable of. They literally came out of a corner to win the match, thanks to Daryl Mitchell and James Neesham, who chased a 167-run target. The fact that their middle order batters have clicked at the right time is not good news for Australia.

Now, over to Australia, who will also be vying for their first T20 World Cup title

Aussies pummel Proteas

In the tournament opener, the Aussies registered a five-wicket win over the Temba Bavuma-led South Africa. Apart from Josh Hazlewood, who took crucial wickets in the first innings, Marcus Stoinis helped his side get across the line by chasing a 119-run target.

Zampa tricks Islanders

Adam Zampa once again did the trick for Australia in this game. He picked up two crucial wickets in the Sri Lankan innings and gave away only 12 runs. The 155-run chase was relatively easy with David Warner and Marcus Stoinis firing on all cyllinders.

The slip up versus arch-rivals England

This was a one-sided affair where Australia were left clueless by the Three Lions, courtesy a Chris Jordan spell of 3/17. Jos Buttler set the stage of fire with a 32-ball 71 as England chased down 126 without breaking a sweat.

Kangaroos win do or die clash

There's a reason why Sachin Tendulkar is talking about Adam Zampa. The leg-spinner's bowling has been right there. His five-wicket haul ensured Bangladesh were bundled out for a paltry 73. Skipper Aaron Finch hit the purple patch, too. The Aussies won by a gaping eight-wicket margin.

Australia beat Windies

This was a crucial win for Australia because it ensured them a semi-final slot. Following a big win versus Bangladesh, they beat West Indies with eight wickets and nearly four overs to spare, also securing a healthy net run rate. After the Sunrisers Hyderabad sacking, David Warner ensured people sit up and take notice of him as his 89-run knock helped Australia chase 158.

Aussies 'wade' into the final

Pakistan were so far unbeaten in the tournament. But this was not their game, especially against an Australia that knows how to deal with big match scenarios. Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis not only helped Australia make it to the final, they also took the fizz out of the Pakistan bowling attack.