Finch and Maxwell help Australians post 6-266 in ODI

By Deputy Chief EditorMarch 28, 2019

171 1 minute read

Abu Dhabi: Aaron Finch has fallen 10 runs short of becoming the first Australian to post three consecutive one-day international tons, while Glenn Maxwell has smacked a quick-fire 71 to help fashion a total of 6-266 against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.

Finch's 90 set the platform for Maxwell to lift the run-rate in an entertaining 55-ball knock on a pitch that offered bowlers more assistance than recent matches in Sharjah.

It was Maxwell's highest ODI score in more than two years; a timely effort given the World Cup selection squeeze created by Steve Smith and David Warner's looming return.

Finch, whose captaincy was being questioned a month ago because of his form slump, has now scored 479 runs at 95.8 from six matches to take his career-best form to an unprecedentedly consistent level.

The right-hander was perfectly placed to become the 11th batsman in the world – and first from Australia – to reach three figures in three consecutive ODI innings.

Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers are among the luminaries on that list headed by Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara, who is the only batsman to have scored four ODI tons in a row.

But Finch was unable to join the exclusive club and fell victim to Yasir Shah, the veteran spinner he has tormented for much of the series.

The hard-hitting opener, who generally shelved his natural aggression during the 136-ball innings, picked out Haris Sohail in the deep during the 42nd over.

Maxwell, who was dropped on 27, then overwhelmed Pakistan with a mix of audacious strokes, assertive running between the wickets and nine boundaries.

Finch led from the front again, backing up match-winning knocks of 116 and 153 not out, the highest score of his ODI career.

The Victorian scored 14 runs from his first 32 balls as Australia slipped to 2-20 but launched a powerful six back over the head of Shah to find some rhythm.Read More – Source

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