T20 World Cup: Aaron Finch sees "decisive fight" with Shaheen Afridi in the semifinals
Australian skipper Aaron Finch said Wednesday that dealing with Pakistani rhythm ace Shaheen Shah Afridi will be key to success in the Twenty20 World Cup semi-finals. The Australians have relied on meteoric starts from the daring opener David Warner and Finch to overtake their opponents in the Super 12 phase. But Shaheen is hindering Australia with its ability to pick the early wickets that shake up opposing teams as Pakistan advance to the semi-finals with five unbeaten wins. “Shaheen was in very good shape for Pakistan. Yes, it will be a decisive fight without a doubt, ”Finch told reporters ahead of the knockout game in Dubai on Thursday.
Pakistan has shown itself in impressive form in the competition so far, with five sweeping victories in the Super 12 stage. Australia have confidently recovered from a heavy loss to England. Finch, the Australian captain, believes the battle for new balls against Shaheen could be crucial to their prospects for the final. "I think what we've seen over the course of the tournament is how important power play is for both batting and bowling," said Finch.
“I think the stats around the middle overs and death overs are pretty similar across the board, but the power play is definitely key. "Shaheen was in really good shape and this is going to be a crucial fight without a doubt." Finch accepts the fact that Pakistan is considered the favorite in the game. However, he points out that his side has already been written off but is still fighting for the title.
"Pakistan played brilliant cricket," said Finch. “The way they went bat and ball in power play was really crucial to their success. “I think in this format of the game, if you look at the last couple of series, everyone has written us off by now. Read into it what you like. " The challenge Pakistan presents at the start of the innings will be another test for David Warner's resurrection. The prelude suffered a miserable time in the lead in this competition.
Shaheen has claimed six wickets in five games after setting the tournament on fire with his 2-19 opening spell following his wickets from the Indian opening games Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul.
The big quick left arm has put Australia in trouble in four encounters with eight wickets and a best of 3-37. He fired both Finch and Glenn Maxwell on his first appearance against the Aussies in July 2018 in a tri-series in Harare. Opposite him, however, is a formally strong Warner who has scored 187 runs, including two half centuries, and was the key to Australia's progression in the last four. Finch, who had hits of 37, 44 and 40, praised Pakistan's bat-and-ball power play blitz but refused to enter the favorite and underdog debate for this knockout game. “Pakistan played brilliant cricket. I think the way they went bat and ball in power play was really crucial to their success, ”said Finch.
Toss and Tau have played a big role in the three venues in the United Arab Emirates, but Dubai particularly favors teams with one goal in mind. Ten out of eleven games were won by the second team, but Finch downplayed the importance of the throw in the knockout game.