Ricky Ponting, a former captain of Australia, has called Aaron Finch’s international career the “jewel in the crown.” In Ponting’s opinion, Finch’s best performance was leading Australia to victory in the T20 World Cup.
In November 2021, Australia won the inaugural T20 World Cup after defeating New Zealand by an eight-wicket margin. Australia easily defeated the Kiwis’ 172 thanks in large part to Mitchell Marsh’s undefeated 77 from 50 balls. A crucial fifty was also scored by David Warner.
Ricky Ponting discussed how Australia entered the tournament as the underdog in an episode of the ICC Review. The sub-continent teams were thought to benefit from the weather, but the Australians played outstanding cricket to win the match. Ponting said:
“The jewel in his [Finch’s] crown probably was the T20 World Cup win in the UAE as not a lot of people thought that Australia could win that tournament.”
“The conditions, everyone thought were going to be against them” – Ricky Ponting on Aaron Finch
“The conditions, everyone thought were going to be against them, obviously finishing off the IPL [Indian Premier League] and then playing on some tired wickets. Most people thought that those conditions would suit the sub-continental teams.”
“But Australia got a little bit lucky in their last few games. They were able to win the tosses and got to chase runs when the dew was sort of coming in on the grounds, which made it a little bit easier for them.”
“But it was still an awesome win, and a World Cup title next to Aaron Finch’s name, which I think, because of his longevity and his success as a player, he deserved that.”
Early this month, Australia’s leading run-getter in T20I cricket, Aaron Finch, announced his retirement from international competition. In 103 games, the Victorian scored 3120 runs, averaging 34.29. The highest individual score in T20I cricket history is his 172.
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