Marcus Stoinis scored the fastest Australian half-century in T20I history earning praise from skipper Aaron Finch as they beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in Perth at the World Cup on Tuesday night.
Stoinis’ stunning 59no from 18 balls was crucial for Australia who had suffered a heavy 89-run loss to New Zealand in their opener on Saturday.
Australia won with 21 balls to spare, making up significant net run rate, ahead of Friday’s crucial clash with England.
Stoinis arrived at the crease with Australia 3-89 in the 13th over in pursuit of Sri Lanka’s 6-157, but the all-rounder blasted six sixes and four fours to ensure a big win.“It was a pretty special innings,” Finch said. “To come out with that intent is the main thing.
“When you walk out to bat and you have that presence at the crease, that’s half the battle in T20 cricket. When you have the skill and the strength that he’s got, that’s a pretty good combo.”
Stoinis took a particular liking to star Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who went for 0-53 from three overs.
“Ronny (coach Andrew McDonald) said to have a look at the quicks because it was doing a bit and if I felt comfortable then to have a go at the spinners,” Stoinis said.
“Once I got in, the plan was just to keep going. To be honest I was really nervous today being at home in Perth with lots of family and friends here but really happy we put on a bit of a clinic today.”
One of the main talking points from the game was opening batsman Finch’s ongoing struggles, batting through the innings but struggling his way to 31no from 42 balls in a knock that included only one boundary.
“Obviously my innings was unusual,” Finch said. “It was poor. I just couldn’t hit the ball. But I thought the way that we approached it with the bat was fine.
“We knew the first four or five overs with the ball, especially with Kumara nipping it around - it was seaming a long way there - so if we could get through that none or one down then it was going to be really important to set up the back end of the innings.
“It would’ve been nice if I could’ve kicked on earlier and made the chase a bit easier but all in all, pretty clinical, I think with the ball as well.”
