Finch: We blew them away
Captain Aaron Finch welcomed a convincing performance in front of an appreciative home crowd, as Australia beat South Africa by seven wickets in Friday's second Twenty20 International at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Captain Aaron Finch welcomed a convincing performance in front of an appreciative home crowd, as Australia beat South Africa by seven wickets in Friday's second Twenty20 International at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Three key wickets from seamer James Faulkner and a very economical spell from leg-spinner Cameron Boyce, who conceded just 15 runs in four overs, restricted the Proteas to a feeble final total of 101 for seven.
The Australian reply was led by Finch, who struck a brisk 44 not out, and the hard-hitting Shane Watson's complementary 30. The talented Cameron White secured the single that ensured victory with all of 44 balls to spare.
"It's a special place to play cricket at any time, especially representing Australia. I stayed at home the evening before the game. I didn't say anything to the players, so that might have been it, what worked," said Finch.
"The bowlers were outstanding, we blew them away. The MCG isn't known for spinning so Cameron deserved his award. We bowled the off-spinner to their left-handers, just trying something out. It is nice for me to get some runs."
The 25-year-old Boyce was named Man of the Match after clinching the key scalps of the dangerous Reeza Hendricks and Farhaan Behardien – and will likely be retained for Sunday's third and final T20I in Sydney.
"The other boys bowled really well, Pat Cummins and Faulkner, that makes my job a bit easier. I won't get too far ahead of myself. I try and bowl well every game and hopefully that stuff, ODI selection, will take care of itself. I'm looking forward to Sydney, the series on the line, both team out to win," concluded Boyce.
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