The big T20 World Cup semi-final clash between Australia and Pakistan will take place in Dubai Ahead of the knockout clash, Australian captain Aaron Finch has expressed that he believes that getting runs on the board especially in the knockouts will be beneficial for the team. He has also stated that Australian batters will have a crucial battle against Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi in the powerplay overs, which may decide the fate of the game.
‘The powerplay definitely holds the key’
“I think what we have seen through the course of the tournament is how important the powerplay is both batting and bowling. I think the stats around the middle and death overs are pretty similar throughout. The powerplay definitely holds the key, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been in good form for Pakistan, that will be a crucial battle in the game,” the 34-year-old said in a virtual pre-match press conference.
“I think when it comes to the finals, it does not make a huge difference. I believe getting runs on the board especially in the knockouts can be beneficial,” he added.
The Aussie skipper also praised the Pakistan team for their performance in the tournament so far stating that the team has played good cricket throughout the Super-12 stage.
“Pakistan are in great form at the moment and played great cricket to remain unbeaten through the Super 12 stage. Pakistan approach in the powerplay overs – both batting and bowling has been crucial to their success,” the skipper said.
Babar Azam’s side topped their group with 10 points in their tally. Pakistan openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been scoring big runs at the top while their bowlers have not allowed opposition batters to post a big total. On the other hand, Australia have lost only one match against England while winning the rest of their Super 12 fixtures. The Kangaroos have a lethal pace attack along with the experience of David Warner, Steve Smith, and explosive middle-order batter Glenn Maxwell.
