Finch sees ‘crucial battle’ with Shaheen in T20 World Cup semi-final

Australia skipper Aaron Finch on Wednesday said dealing with Pakistan pace ace Shaheen Shah Afridi will be key to success in the Twenty20 World Cup semi-final.   

The Aussies have depended on blazing starts by swashbuckling opener David Warner and Finch to get past opponents in the Super 12 stage.   

But Shaheen stands in Australia’s way with his ability to pick early wickets rattling opposition teams as Pakistan moved into the semi-finals unbeaten with five wins.   
 “Shaheen has been in really good form for Pakistan. Yeah, so that’s going to be a crucial battle no doubt,” Finch told reporters ahead of the knockout tie in Dubai today.  

Australia will look to master Shaheen in the key stage of the opening six overs when the powerplay is in operation with only two fielders allowed outside the inner circle.   

 “I think what we’ve seen over the course of the tournament is how important the powerplay is for batting and bowling,” added the Australian captain.    “I think the stats around the middle overs and the death overs are pretty similar throughout, but the powerplay definitely holds the key.” Shaheen has claimed six wickets in five games after he set the tournament ablaze with his opening spell of 2-19 following his wickets of Indian openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul.  (AFP)