Finch hails Oz success mantra; NZ look to improve: Williamson
New Zealand skipper Williamson said there is always a ‘bigger picture’ and he sees growth in the team despite their loss to Australia in the Twenty20 World Cup final
Australia skipper Aaron Finch on Sunday said his team bonding over golf and music during a difficult bubble life remained key to liting their first ever Twenty20 World Cup title.
Australiathrashednewzealandbyeightwickets in Dubai ater Mitchell Marsh hit an unbeaten 77 to steer the team home in 18.5 overs.
Not many had given Australia and New Zealand a chance ahead of the tournament but Finch’s team moved into the semi-finals with a beter run-rate than South Africa.
The Aussies then got past favourites Pakistan to set up a rematch of the 2015 50-over final between the trans-tasman neighbours which had also witnessed a big win for the Australians.
“It’s unbelievable. It’s been brilliant. It honestly has,” Finch said ater the title triumph that adds to their five ODI World Cup trophies.
“It’s had ups and downs along the way, don’t get me wrong. It’s never smooth sailing. When you’re in bubbles and things like that, it’s always difficult. Guys get along very well.
“We’ve played some golf together. We’ve hung out. We’ve been able to relax and just enjoy each other’s company. And as you can hear in there now, there’s always music playing in the corridors of the hotel. Everyone’s doors are always open.”
Australia’s previous best was a runners-up finish in 2010 when they lost the final to England and the T20 World Cup remained a dream for six editions since 2007.
“I think there’s been so much talk about this being the one that’s been elusive to Australia. And to be fair, we probably under-performed in the past, if we are being honest with ourselves,” said Finch.
“We’ve had some great teams along the way. This team is prety special. The camaraderie, the way that everyone really cares for each other and looks ater each other, looks out for each other; prety special.
“So yeah, it’s awesome. That’s brilliant and it’s great for Australian Cricket.”
Marsh’s 50-ball knock laced with six fours and four sixes and his 92-run stand with David Warner, who made 53 to finish the tournament with 289 runs, stood out in a resounding final win for Australia. Marsh had been promoted to the number three position ahead of Steve Smith in the tour of West Indies and the move paid dividends in the World Cup.
“Mitch’s move to number three was a really important one in the West Indies. He obviously plays fast bowling very well,” said Finch.
“Growing up in the WACA (in Perth), he’s very, very dominant off the backfoot. He’s someone who loves the contest, loves the challenge. And we just backed him from the start.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson on Sunday said there is always a “bigger picture” and he sees growth in the team despite their loss to Australia in the Twenty20 World Cup final.
Williamson’s 85 off 48 balls went in vain as
Australia outplayed New Zealand by eight wickets in Dubai to clinch their maiden T20 World Cup title.
Australia’s win brought back memories of their dominant win over the Black Caps in the 2015 ODI World Cup final in Melbourne.
The Kiwis also lost the 2019 ODI World Cup to England in a dramatic final that was decided on boundary count ater a Super Over.
Williamson interrupted a journalist when reminded of New Zealand’s three losses in World Cup finals, saying “And championship final?”
He was referring to this year’s victory in the Test Championship final over India in England.
“You sign up to play the game, and you win and you lose, and these are things that can happen on any day,” Williamson told reporters.
“You know, if you look at the campaign as a whole, which we do, and the type of cricket that we have been able to play, I can say that we are very proud of our efforts throughout this period of time. You get to a final and anything can happen. You mentioned perhaps that white ball in 2019, which might be a longer discussion if you have some time.”
Williamson admited Australia had deserved to win on Sunday as they chased down their target of 173 for the loss of just two wickets.
“Would have been obviously nicer to be on the right side of the result. But Australia played really, really well, and you can hear them celebrating next door, and rightly so.
“They had a fantastic campaign. They are a team full of amazing players and they really stood up today.”