Aaron Finch will be one proud man tonight. Was handed the reigns of the Australian team in the white-ball format in the aftermath of the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal, and few would’ve imagined him to be the leader that would end the Aussies’ wait for a maiden T20 World Cup title three years later! What a brilliant turnaround for the Aussies after that humiliating eight-wicket loss at the hands of England, as they went on to win every game thereafter and finished the job with clinical precision in the final against their neighbours.
This is Australia’s sixth world title, with the team finally adding a T20 World Cup to their cabinet that already has five ODI World Cups to show off. Spare a thougt for New Zealand though, who gave their best and made it to yet another ICC limited-overs final, only to fall short yet again. Could’ve made it two ICC triumphs in 2021 after their World Test Championship success earlier this year, but thanks to the efforts of Hazlewood, Warner and Marsh in the summit clash, it was not to be.
We hope you enjoyed our coverage of the 2021 T20 World Cup. Do join us later this week in our coverage of New Zealand’s tour of India. For now, this is Amit Banerjee signing off, bidding you all good night!
Aaron Finch, Australia captain: This is huge, to be the first Australian team to be able to do it. Brilliant from the start. (Turnaround from Bangladesh game) Certainly was. We had some great individual and team performances, and it was fantastic. It was outstanding. (On Warner) Can’t believe people wrote him off saying he was done. (On Zampa) Player of the Tournament for me. Someone who controlled the innings with wickets. Mitch Marsh, what a way for him to start his innings today, putting New Zealand under pressure from the start.
Kane Williamson, New Zealand captain: We were trying to get a bit of platform and the surface was holding up a bit. Superb chase by Australia and a brilliant campaign. At the halfway stage, we certainly thought we got to a good total. Credit to Australia for the way they chased down the total. Really proud of our team’s efforts throughout the tournament. Reached the final and gave our best shot. Guys really committed to what we tried to do. Conditions varied from venue to venue and we adapted. We played a lot of consistent cricket throughout. One day at a time. Some really good cricket played. Just a shame we couldn’t get the job done tonight.
David Warner is the Player of the Tournament!
Warner: I always felt really well. Didn’t get much time in the middle in the practice games, but it was about going back to the basics. This is definitely up there with 2015, as well as playing the World Cup final against England. These are an absolutely great bunch of guys and a great support staff. I’m always pumped. A great spectacle for everyone here at the venue and everyone back home. It was just great to see the guys deliver.
Mitchell Marsh is the Player of the Match for his 50-ball 77
Marsh: I don’t really have words right now. Been an amazing six weeks for this team. Coaching staff came up to me in the West Indies and asked me to bat at three in this tournament. (On his first-ball six) There’s not a whole lot of thinking that goes into that.
The presentation ceremony’s underway. First up, the umpires and match referee getting felicitated.
Gilly would know a thing or two about winning World Cups eh?
World Champions eh. Sweet. ??– Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) November 14, 2021
What an excellent morning for the Aussies to wake up to!
It’s finally ours! An epic performance from our sensational Aussies! Men’s T20 World Cup champions! ??????#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Sxaj9PmWvC— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) November 14, 2021
Australia coach Justin Langer: “This is such a special group of people. We’ve got some amazing group of cricketers. There are so many close relationships in the team. We knew how much talent we had. There were a few missing pieces before the tournament, and Mitchell Marsh filled one of those pieces. These guys had so much fun on and off the ground, and it’s important to have fun in this format, and that was an important part of our success.”
Kangaroos all the way!
Australia was ruthless, clinical and just perfect today. NZ didn’t even come close.
Kangaroos all the way !!
Congratulations– Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 14, 2021