Veteran Australian cricketer Aaron Finch stole the spotlight, showcasing his ferocious batting prowess during a face-off between the New Jersey Legends and the California Knights in the ongoing inaugural season of the US Masters T10 League.
Representing the California Knights, Finch unleashed a barrage of sixes against Chris Barnwell, stunning spectators and reigniting the memory of Rinku Singh‘s exceptional feat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.
The sensational sequence unfolded during the penultimate over of the California Knights’ innings. Finch had already set the stage with two towering sixes earlier in the 7th over, but his fireworks truly ignited when he faced off against Barnell.
The onslaught began with Finch effortlessly lofting Barnell over long-on, sending the ball soaring beyond the boundary ropes. The ensuing delivery, a full one outside off, met Finch’s blade with impeccable timing, as he dispatched it over the extra cover boundary for another monumental six.
Also READ: US Masters T10 League 2023 – Broadcast & Live Streaming: When and Where to watch in India, Pakistan, USA, Canada & other countries
Unfazed by the carnage, Barnell aimed for a good-length delivery on the third ball, only to witness Finch masterfully dispatch the ball over backward square leg for a third consecutive six. Demonstrating his adaptability, Finch faced Barnell from around the wicket on the fourth ball, which ended up as a juicy full toss. Seizing the opportunity, Finch capitalized by sending the ball rocketing over long-on for a fourth successive six.
With anticipation mounting, Barnell aimed wide off the fifth ball, hoping to thwart Finch’s onslaught. However, the Aussie star had other plans. Cunningly shuffling across the crease, Finch effortlessly dispatched the ball for a fifth consecutive six, sealing a remarkable sequence that had the crowd on its feet.
Here is the video:
Why we call him the Aaronator 👊
Take a bow @AaronFinch5 6️⃣6️⃣6️⃣6️⃣6️⃣#USMastersT10 #NJTvCK #SunshineStarsSixes#CricketsFastestFormat #T10League pic.twitter.com/NUdccQxuKq
— US Masters T10 (@USMastersT10) August 21, 2023
Finch’s blitz goes in vain as New Jersey Legends register thrilling win
Despite Finch’s awe-inspiring heroics, his effort proved insufficient as the New Jersey Legends emerged victorious, securing a triumph by 6 wickets. Finch concluded his inning with a jaw-dropping unbeaten score of 75 runs off just 31 deliveries, an innings that included an impressive blend of 3 boundaries and a staggering 8 colossal sixes.
Thanks to Finch’s fireworks, the California Knights managed to post a formidable total of 116/3 within the allocated 10 overs. Nevertheless, the New Jersey Legends countered with a determined chase, ultimately clinching victory with a nail-biting 2 balls to spare. The crucial contributions of Naman Ojha (25 off 11) and Yusuf Pathan (35 off 11) played a pivotal role in New Jersey’s triumphant pursuit of the target.