Australia lifted the T20 World Cup 2021, their first in the format. While David Warner was adjudged Player of the tournament, the left-handed batsman gave a lot of credit to Matthew Wade who played a blinder against Pakistan and helped the side etch a win in the semi-final.
Wade hit Shaheen Afridi for three maximums in a row on the final three balls of the penultimate over to seal the victory for the Aussies.
“In those situations, I can’t play the shot that he plays. If I was out there, I would never have hit that six because I can’t play that shot. Having a guy like him to come in like he did…” said Warner on Backstage with Boria show.
“Specifically in Australia, they wrote Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis off. They said they can’t win games for Australia. Yes, they can. They won the biggest game for us.”
Chasing 177 in 20 overs, Australia were left struggling at 96/5 in the 13th over but an unbeaten stand of 81 runs for the sixth wicket between Wade and Marcus Stoinis took them over the line. While Wade remained unbeaten at 41 off 17, Stoinis chipped in with 40* off 31.
The Australian side eventually defeated New Zealand in the final.