Captain Aaron Finch has warned against the perils of chasing “a run-rate performance” as Australia attempts to pinch a T20 World Cup semi-final berth in the remaining pool matches.
The Australians’ World Cup defence began with an 89-run demolition at the hands of New Zealand, which left the hosts with a horrible net run-rate.
That could cost them dearly in their bid to be the second team in group one to march through to the semi-finals, with Australia, England and Ireland gunning to join New Zealand in the next phase of the competition.
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Afghanistan is only ranked 10th in T20 international cricket and Ireland 12th, but the Irish slayed a giant in a five-run win over England under the Duckworth-Lewis method.
Finch insists Australia is focusing on beating Ireland and Afghanistan rather than boosting its net run-rate.
“You have to earn the right to go after a run-rate performance,” Finch said.
“We’ve seen how damaging Ireland can be if you give them a sniff in a game, so you’d never go into a game thinking about things like that (run-rate).
“I think that will naturally unfold if the opportunity presents but, first and foremost, you have to do the basics well and make sure you get your team into a position where you can push forward.
“The last thing you want to do is push too hard, leave yourself a lot to do, then end up in a bit of a stick or twist.
“All we’ve got to do is try and focus on winning two games, and hopefully some things fall our way.”
Finch struggles as Australia downs Sri Lanka
After losing to New Zealand by 89 runs at the SCG, Marcus Stoinis propelled Australia to a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka at Perth Stadium, which was followed by a fixture against England at the MCG being abandoned due to rain.
The Kiwis are topping group one on five points, while England, Ireland and Australia are locked on three points.
The Australians’ grim net run-rate, which is the worst in the pool, has them sitting in fourth on the table.
They’ll meet Ireland at the Gabba on Monday night.
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