Finch turns the corner

AARON Finch has turned famine into feast, producing arguably the best knock of his ODI career to march Australia to an eight-wicket win over Pakistan in Sharjah.

Finch’s lack of runs was among many concerns for the Australians when they landed in India last month, their World Cup defence seemingly a lost cause.

The captain has turned the corner with consecutive matchwinning centuries, backing up his 116 on Friday with an unbeaten 153 yesterday.

Australia completed a venue-record chase of 285 with minimal fuss in 47.5 overs, thanks to a 209-run opening stand between Finch and Usman Khawaja (88).

It is the highest score of Finch’s 106-ODI career and the second time he’s posted successive tons in the format.

On the down side, young paceman Jhye Richardson’s spot in Australia’s World Cup squad is in doubt after he dislocated shoulder while fielding.

The five-match series continues in Abu Dhabi tonight.