ICC World Cup 2019 | Pakistan did put us under pressure, says Aaron Finch
BCCI
Aaron Finch has stated that Australia were put under pressure by Pakistan on Wednesday at Taunton. Australia were cruising along in the first 30 overs and looked to post a huge total but were all out for 307, however, they managed to secure a win by 41 runs thanks to Pakistan's late-order collapse.
Australia had set a target of 308 runs for Pakistan after they were put to bat first. The Sarfaraz Ahmed-led team were well in contention to chase down the target at the midway mark despite the fact that they did not start well. Pakistan were at 136 for two in 25 overs but slipped to 200 for seven in 33.5 overs. However, Hasan Ali and Wahab Riaz gave the Australians a scare. Ali blasted 32 runs off 15 balls while Wahab blasted 45 off 39 balls. Aaron Finch did not shy away from the fact that the duo was hard to stop.
“Certainly did put us under pressure. Guys like Hassan and Wahab are good strikers of the ball. Hard to stop when they're on a roll. Just had to bowl our best ball, whether it's a length ball or yorker. When you're slightly off, on a small ground like this, you're punished,” he said at the post-match presentation ceremony, reported Cricbuzz.
Australia too witnessed a major collapse as they fell from 223 for two in the 34th over to 307 all out with one over left, despite David Warner’s century. The skipper rued the collapse in the end.
“Didn't bat out our fifty overs which was disappointing. When you go with an extra batter, you back the batsmen to do the job. Probably tried to go a little too hard too early,” expressed the 32-year-old.
Marcus Stoinis was unavailable for the game due to a side strain and batsman Shaun Marsh was brought in his place. Adam Zampa had to be left out in favour of Kane Richardson while Glenn Maxwell had to make up for the spinner’s overs. The skipper termed the call to leave out Zampa as a tough one.
“It was a tough call to leave out Zampa. When you lose your all-rounder to injury, have to choose one or the other. An extra batter or extra bowler. Went with the extra batter today. Backed Maxwell to bowl the overs. Was a tough call on Zampa. Has been bowling nicely,” Finch signed off.
