ZCZC
BSP-33
CRICKET-ZIM-AUS,LEAD
Australia’s Stanlake tears through Pakistan for easy win
HARARE, July 2, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Australia fast bowler Billy Stanlake
rediscovered his aggressive streak to demolish Pakistan’s top order and set
up a nine-wicket win for his side in the second match of the T20 tri-series
in Zimbabwe.
“The boys have been talking to me in the last few days about being a
little more aggressive, so that’s why I came out and tried to do that,” said
Stanlake.
The tactic brought almost immediate success, and he went on to record
figures of four for 8 in his opening burst, the most economical spell by an
Australian in T20I cricket, and second only to James Faulkner’s 5 for 27 the
last time these two teams met.
His efforts were a complete turnaround from Australia’s last T20, against
England, when Stanlake was carted for 47 in just three overs.
“In the last game at Edgbaston I probably got away from that a little bit,
JL [Australia coach Justin Langer] was getting in to me at training the other
day about getting a bit more aggressive at our boys in the nets, and he kept
reinforcing that so I really wanted to make an emphasis on that today.”
Stanlake’s wickets, backed up by three quick strikes from Andrew Tye at
the death and one each for Jhye Richardson and Marcus Stoinis, kept Pakistan
to 116 all out, a score which Australia chased down with ease, captain Aaron
Finch registering an unbeaten 68 as they cantered home with more than nine
overs to spare.
“There have been times where I have been (both fast and accurate), but
it’s been a little inconsistent,” admitted Stanlake. “The challenge for me is
being able to do that game after game.
“England was a challenging tour for all of us, but the key message was
doing the simple things well and sticking to our strengths.
“And I probably got away from that at times during England, so that’s why
I came back today just trying to be aggressive with the new ball and take
wickets.”
Shoaib Malik, who became the first male cricketer to play 100 T20Is in
this game, briefly rallied alongside Asif Ali before a horrible mix-up led to
his run out for 13. It was left to Pakistan’s lower order to guide the team
beyond 100.
Hasan Ali hurried D’Arcy Short’s pull to provide Pakistan with an early
wicket, but Finch ensured there were no further slip-ups for the Australians.
He countered Pakistan’s spin threat with faultless attacking strokes,
twice launching Mohammad Nawaz over long on and leathering legspinner Shadab
Khan for three more sixes as the game ended in a flurry of runs.
Finch hit six sixes in all, and the game ended with a dropped catch at
long on that went for four, summing up Pakistan’s day.
“Credit goes to Finch, he played really well,” said Ali, who was the only
bowler to break through for Pakistan. “The pitch was also really good in the
second innings.
“We’re a good team, we’re no. 1, and Inshallah we’ll bounce back in the
next game.”
BSS/AFP/BZC/1830HRS