After suffering a 5-0 series defeat at the hands of England in the ODI series, Australia finally came back to winning ways with a resounding victory against Pakistan in Harare today.
It was the 2nd T20I of the tri-nation series also involving Zimbabwe. It was a thoroughly entertaining performance by the Aussies as they won by nine wickets and with more than nine overs to spare.
It was Finch who won the toss and asked Pakistan to bat. They kept losing wickets from the outset and got reduced to 24/4. It was a sensational piece of fast bowling by Billy Stanlake who finished with figures of 4/8.
Pakistan was never in with a shot after losing four wickets so early. Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan chipped with some useful knock. It was instrumental in getting Pakistan over the 100-mark.
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Australia’s dominance
With the bat in hand, the Aussies needed just 117 runs in 20 overs. They made the target look pretty ordinary.
Aaron Finch, in particular, played some beautiful shots. He eventually scored 68 off 33 deliveries. His innings studded with six sixes and four fouls. He played gorgeous shots to get going and finally managed to help Australia cross the winning line.
Finch was supported well by D’Arcy Short and Travis Head. They both played on a slower note given the fact that someone at the other end was going great guns.
Eventually, the men in yellow chased the total down in the 11th over. Even at the post-match presentation, Finch expressed his happiness at the prospect of Australia making a grand comeback especially after horrendous few days in the series against England. Former baggy green coach, Darren Lehmann congratulated Australia after their resounding win.
“Congrats JL & @AaronFinch5 @CricketAus on the first win of the series and JL’s first win as coach, plenty more to come I’m sure. Well done lads and keep up the good work. #goaussies,” he wrote via his twitter handle.
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