Dasun Shanaka:
“We started really well and we finished well. In the middle phase, we didn’t get going and we could have missed 15-20 runs in the game. [On team fitness] I think the fast bowlers especially are not prepared well. They are coming after injury so I think that’s the reason behind them getting injured most of the time. It was really tough with the new ball. It’s too hard to get going. Even Finch struggled with the new ball. It was the latter part that they played really well. [Asked to give his team marks out of 10] Maybe 5 or 4.”
Aaron Finch:
“Very happy [with the win]. Obviously, my innings was unusual. 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. [After the Powerplay] They bowled a hard length.
It was tough. It’s such a big ground that you feel as though it’s hard to just stand and deliver. Especially with a bit of extra bounce and when the ball is seaming slightly, you feel it’s just not quite as easy to hit the middle of the bat. That’s no excuse for the way I played but it’s nice to get two points. [On Stoinis] It was a pretty special innings. 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. [Playing England at the MCG] It’s always a great event. Any format of the game, anywhere in the world, it’s pretty special so we’re looking forward to it.”
Player of the Match is Marcus Stoinis:
“Ronny 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. 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. Mentally I was nice and fresh having some time off with this side strain, but so far so good. I felt good. We played here the other day against England and it was a beautiful wicket. This did look like it was doing a little bit more, especially against the new ball. It’s beautiful ground, probably the best ground in Australia if not the world. We’ve wrapped this game up and look forward to playing England at the MCG. They’re obviously a very good team so we’ll do our homework again, rest up, get on our flight tomorrow and then go from there.”
Pitch and weather: There is a small chance of rain in Perth, but it’s unlikely to impact the cricket hugely. Not a lot is known about how the Perth stadium pitch will behave because it is not only a new stadium, but it also saw little cricket over the pandemic. But it tends to be a boundary-hitting ground.
Australia vs Sri Lanka Highlights today. 19th Match, Group 1 (N), Perth Stadium, Tuesday 25-10-2022, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.
Toss: Australia chose to field.
Aaron Finch: Think it’s the best strategy at this ground. It’s a good wicket, decent pace, and won’t change much. Zampa’s out for Agar
Dasun Shanaka: We are well prepared, and looking forward to play here. The camp has been confident since the Asia Cup. We have chased good totals and are in good spirits. We have Pathum Nissanka back in.
Australia team: David Warner, Aaron Finch (capt), Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Agar, Josh Hazlewood.
Zimbabwe team: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Lahiru Kumara.
Head to Head In T20I’s: 25
Australia Won: 15
Sri Lanka Won: 10
Australia T20I Rankings: 6th
Sri Lanka T20I Rankings: 8th
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 Points Table
Form guide
(last five completed Tests, most recent first)
Australia LLLWW
Sri Lanka WWWLW
Match Timings: 11:00 AM GMT | 7:00 PM Local
Umpires – Marais Erasmus, Richard Illingworth
TV Umpire – Richard Kettleborough
Match Referee – Andy Pycroft
Reserve Umpire – Aleem Dar
Match number – T20I no. 1845
