Aaron Finch lavishes massive praises on Dasun Shanaka
Australian skipper Aaron Finch has heaped praises on Sri Lankan leader Dasun Shanaka for his heroics in the third and last T20I match. The hosts pulled off a memorable and thrilling win while chasing a big total of 177 runs on Saturday. Australia had already won the series with dominating wins in first two matches but Shanaka saved the home side from suffering a whitewash.
Meanwhile, Finch played another good knock of 29 runs off 20 balls and finished this T20I series with 114 runs from three matches with an average of 57.00 and a strike rate of 156.16. Veteran opener David Warner also stayed at the top with 39 runs knock in the last match. Steven Smith and Marcus Stoinis scored 30-plus runs to help the visitors post 176/5 while batting first.
Aaron Finch praised Shanka for his heroics in the last match
Once again, the Sri Lankan batters struggled for consistency and intent, scoring at an average rate. But the star all-rounder Dasun Shanaka took a charge in the last three overs when the required run rate was almost 20. He started by scoring 21 runs in the 18th over and got his side back into the game. He hit two fours and a six off Kane Richardson in the last over to take his side to a four-wicket win.
Notably, Australia were clear favourites to win the last match, but Shanaka’s power-hitting in the last three overs denied them this satisfaction. Aaron Finch also praised Shanka for his match-winning knock but seemed pleased with his team’s performance throughout the series.
“That was an unbelievable knock by Dasun tonight. We thought batting first was OK. I don’t think our choice of batting first today had any reason for the defeat. Dasun played really well.” Finch said after the game.
Meanwhile, Shanaka was well aware of the importance of winning the last match to gain some momentum before the upcoming ODI series. Hence, he seemed happy with the outcome. “Leading up to the game I tried to motivate the boys telling them that although we had lost the series, we needed some momentum leading up to the ODIs. I’m glad they delivered. It’s been a tough few months.” Shanaka said.
