‘Lowest in World Cup history’: Finch’s 42-ball torture laid bare as skipper makes big admission
Finch #Finch
If it’s not the worst then it is definitely in the category of most painful.
Aaron Finch last night had his blushes spared by a performance of absolute fireworks from Marcus Stoinis as Australia claimed a seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at Perth Stadium.
The powerful all-rounder smacked the fastest fifty by an Australian in any format, battering Sri Lanka’s hapless bowling attack to all corners of the Perth venue.
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His unbeaten 59 (18) helped Australia chase the 158-run target with 21 balls to spare.
His sheer ferocity badly exposed Finch at the other end as the opening batter plodded to 31 not out from 42 balls.
As reported by Code Sports’ Lachlan McKirdy, Finch’s innings has set records for all the wrong reasons.
The Victorian’s strike rate of 73.80 is the lowest ever seen at the T20 World Cup in innings of 40 or more balls.
It was also the first time a batter has failed to strike a four when facing 40 balls in the history of the tournament.
Finch literally bowed down to Stoinis after the much-needed win.
The 35-year-old was blunt with his words in the post-match presentations.
“Very happy (with the result). My innings was unusual, poor,” he said.
“I couldn’t hit the ball. The way we approached with the bat was fine. It was seaming a long way there, if we could get through that, it was important to set-up the back end of the innings. “It would’ve been nice if I could’ve kicked on earlier and made the chase a bit easier but all in all, pretty clinical, I think with the ball as well.”
He and Stoinis appeared to be batting on different pitches.
“It was a pretty special innings,” Finch said of Stoinis.
“To come out with that intent is the main thing. When you walk out to bat and have that presence at the crease, that’s half the battle in T20 cricket.
“When you got the skill that he has got, it’s a good combo.”
Stoinis brought up his fifty in 17 balls.
“Once I got in, the plan was just to keep going,” said the 33-year-old man-of-the-match Stoinis, who is from Perth.
“To be honest, I was really nervous today being at home in Perth with lots of family and friends here, but really happy we put on a bit of a clinic today.”
The Australians looked in a spot of bother at 89-3 but Stoinis came out all guns blazing to smash four fours and six sixes.
Earlier, Charith Asalanka had made an unbeaten 38 to guide Asian champions Sri Lanka to 157-6, a total that looked competitive until Stoinis arrived on the scene to devastating effect.
“We have to give Stoinis credit, the way he came in and played was exceptional,” said Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood.
“He showed how much power he had and obviously made life very difficult for us.”
Sri Lankan pace bowler Binura Fernando left the field in the first over of Australia’s chase as the island nation feared for another addition to their already long injury list at this tournament.
But the fast bowlers kept the Australian openers in check and spinner Maheesh Theekshana got the big wicket of David Warner on his first ball after the left-hander gave away a catch to the fielder at cover.
Mitchell Marsh took stock and then attempted to break free with a four and six off Wanindu Hasaranga, but his extra aggression got him caught at long-off for 17.
Glenn Maxwell hit back with fours and sixes before he survived a nasty bouncer from Lahiru Kumara — the ball caught his throat but after help from the physio the Australian got gingerly back on his feet.
Ashen Bandara dropped Finch but soon made up for it with a good catch at the boundary rope to help dismiss Maxwell for 23.
But the joy was shortlived as Stoinis took the game away from Sri Lanka with his bludgeoning knock.
Next up for the hosts are old rivals England on Friday in Melbourne. Australia now have one win and one defeat from their first two games in the Super 12 stage.
— with AFP