On Thursday night, Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade did the unimaginable to steer his team into the final of the T20 World Cup 2021. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Australian batters held on to their nerves as Marcus Stoinis (40* off 31), and Wade (41* off 17) kept finding boundaries in the death overs.
With 22 needed off 12 balls, Pakistan captain Babar Azam gave the responsibility of bowling the penultimate over to Shaheen Afridi. The left-armer almost did the job for his team as, on the third delivery, Wade mistimed his shot towards deep midwicket, but Hasan Ali dropped an absolute sitter to give a lifetime to Aussie star.
Wade made full use of the opportunity given to him as he smashed Afridi for three consecutive sixes to finish the game in grand style.
Here is how those last three deliveries of Afridi’s over went:
- 18.4: Afridi to Wade, SIX, shuffled across the crease, played a scoop shot for a six.
- 18.5: Afridi to Wade, SIX, 96 meters hit. The bowler went for an off-cutter, right in the slot, and Wade swung it way over cow corner for a maximum.
- 18.6: Afridi to Wade, SIX, another scoop over fine leg which went into the stands. Third six off the over, and Australia won the epic contest.
Here is the video:
Matthew who?👀MATTHEW WADE #T20WorldCup | #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/G1gzs7Gg5n
— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) November 11, 2021
After the sensational triumph, Wade asserted that it hasn’t sunk in, and it will take some time for him to believe what he exactly did for his team with the willow.
“It hasn’t sunk in, but probably when I sit down tonight, it might sink in. I was out of the team for 2-3 years, just came back 20 games ago, and happy to have repaid the faith,” said Wade at the post-match presentation.
“Absolutely (preempted the scoops). I was talking to Stoinis at the other end and tried to work out what they’re doing. I got a little more pace on than expected, I probably could have used it a little bit earlier, but yeah.. glad to get a couple at the end. There wasn’t a lot of chat before I went in as we lost quick wickets,” he added.
