More pressure on Pakistan than us, says skipper Finch
abu dhabi — Australian skipper Aaron Finch said Pakistan were having a great run and will fight to justify the T20 No. 1 tag in the three-match series.
“Pakistan played very well against us in July (Zimbabwe TriNation Series). We got the better off them in the first game but they battled back in the last two. They are World Number One at the moment and for a reason. They played some great cricket in the last two years in this format so I think it will be a great contest.”
Finch said Pakistan will feel the pressure to keep their winning run going in the UAE. “They have the favourites tag and I think there will be more pressure on them than it is on us. I think anytime you play anyone in a different country is massively important and everyone wants to win. If number one rankings are on the line or anyone down the list, each game is important. Everyone wants to win. I don’t think they need any motivation than that and we don’t need it,” he said during a press conference in Abu Dhabi.
The skipper said Pakistan with likes of Shadab Khan will pose a threat.
“Shadab is a world-class spinner. I thought we played him really well in Harare on a wicket that was spinning especially towards the end of that tri-series. I think both sides are familiar with each other from their tri-series and the Test series. I think as a collective, there was good knowledge from both sides. Their spinners play a big part in their plan and we have to play well against them to be in with a chance and win the series.”
Finch said it took a couple of days to get over the Test match mode.
“The first Test was a bit more challenging mentally than physically at times. I’m feeling great now. I played some golf this morning and feel great. I’m raring to go.”