Publish : 13 Nov 2021, 07:05 AMUpdate : 24 Dec 2021, 06:39 PM
Wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade, hero of Australia’s nail-biting win against Pakistan in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup, emphasized that experience in senior players in the team gave them the edge.
Wade hammered three successive over boundaries off Pakistan left-arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi and powered Australia into the final of the tournament at Dubai International Cricket Stadium Thursday.
Wade crushed Pakistan hopes in a stunning display of power-hitting against Pakistan’s premier fast bowler as Australia cruised to 177/5 with an over to spare.
Pakistan had their chance but Hasan Ali dropped a regulation catch of left-hander Wade at mid-wicket just before Shaheen was hit for three sixes that sealed the chase.
“It [the experience] certainly helps. Just to be in that situation, I think, even the first game to be batting with Marcus (Stoinis) in that South African game and us working really well together and getting some time in helps as well, but experience is key in these games even though we lost a few early wickets and things weren't going our way early,” said Wade to the media following the win.
“There was no real panic in the dressing room. We've got experience the whole way down. And the same happened while we were bowling. At times it felt like we were going for 12 and 13 and over. With this crowd, it felt like we were behind the game the whole time, but you look at the ball it was seven, eight, nine and over. It wasn't like we were getting put all over the park,” he added.
While the world is pointing fingers at the catch drop by Hasan, Wade said they were already in a good position chasing 177.
With two overs left, Australia needed 22, which were achieved in the 19th over against one of the top bowlers of the competition.
“I think by the time that the catch drop went down I was pretty confident we were in a really good position to get the runs. If that had happened three or four overs before hand, that would dictate the outcome of the game a little bit more. I think we must have needed 14 because I came back and I think we needed 12 after that. So he takes that, we needed 14 or whatever it was, eight or nine balls. As I said, Patty Cummins was coming in next. Marcus was hitting the ball as well as anyone out there [Thursday],” Wade explained.
“You can focus in on the things that happen really late in the game, but there's plenty of things that go on without it - throughout a whole game that can dictate a little bit. But I don't think - I hope that wouldn't have too much of an effect, on the outcome of the game.”
Wade: Experience helped us win
Wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade, hero of Australia’s nail-biting win against Pakistan in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup, emphasized that experience in senior players in the team gave them the edge.
Wade hammered three successive over boundaries off Pakistan left-arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi and powered Australia into the final of the tournament at Dubai International Cricket Stadium Thursday.
Wade crushed Pakistan hopes in a stunning display of power-hitting against Pakistan’s premier fast bowler as Australia cruised to 177/5 with an over to spare.
Pakistan had their chance but Hasan Ali dropped a regulation catch of left-hander Wade at mid-wicket just before Shaheen was hit for three sixes that sealed the chase.
“It [the experience] certainly helps. Just to be in that situation, I think, even the first game to be batting with Marcus (Stoinis) in that South African game and us working really well together and getting some time in helps as well, but experience is key in these games even though we lost a few early wickets and things weren't going our way early,” said Wade to the media following the win.
“There was no real panic in the dressing room. We've got experience the whole way down. And the same happened while we were bowling. At times it felt like we were going for 12 and 13 and over. With this crowd, it felt like we were behind the game the whole time, but you look at the ball it was seven, eight, nine and over. It wasn't like we were getting put all over the park,” he added.
While the world is pointing fingers at the catch drop by Hasan, Wade said they were already in a good position chasing 177.
With two overs left, Australia needed 22, which were achieved in the 19th over against one of the top bowlers of the competition.
“I think by the time that the catch drop went down I was pretty confident we were in a really good position to get the runs. If that had happened three or four overs before hand, that would dictate the outcome of the game a little bit more. I think we must have needed 14 because I came back and I think we needed 12 after that. So he takes that, we needed 14 or whatever it was, eight or nine balls. As I said, Patty Cummins was coming in next. Marcus was hitting the ball as well as anyone out there [Thursday],” Wade explained.
“You can focus in on the things that happen really late in the game, but there's plenty of things that go on without it - throughout a whole game that can dictate a little bit. But I don't think - I hope that wouldn't have too much of an effect, on the outcome of the game.”
Topics: