For David Warner, T20 World Cup victory mends 2010 heartbreak

David Warner, who was titled player of the tournament, was one of six Australia players to feature in both teams, despite the fact that he and Steve Smith were the only survivors from Australia’s only previous T20 World Cup final appearance in 2010, when England defeated them to win the trophy. 

The 35-year-old opener had been criticised before the tournament for a string of low scores, but he responded strongly by scoring 289 runs in seven games, second only to Pakistan skipper Babar Azam in the list of top run-scorers. “This is definitely up there with 2015,” Warner said of his innings of 53 from 38 balls, which provided Australia with the perfect platform to chase down their target of 173 against the Black Caps in Sunday’s final in Dubai.

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“Being part of the T20 World Cup final against England a decade ago really hurt, although obviously our women’s team won then as well so we felt a part of that.”

“These guys are a great bunch and we’ve got a great support staff, as well as great support around the world and especially at home.

“We just wanted to put on a great spectacle for everyone, at the venue and at home, and we were able to deliver it. There was a bit of nerves with a good total on the board, but it was just great to see the guys deliver.

“In the two practice matches I didn’t get much time in the middle, but it was just about going back to basics and getting on some hard synthetic wickets to train and hit some balls and I managed to get out here and score some runs.”

Warner hit three half-centuries in the tournament, including 65 against Sri Lanka and an unbeaten 89 against the West Indies to help Australia land in the semi-finals, where he added 49 in a five-wicket victory over Pakistan.

In the final, the left-hander continued his good form, sharing a second-wicket partnership of 92 from 59 with Mitchell Marsh, who then led Australia to a big win with Glenn Maxwell and seven balls to spare.

Australia skipper Aaron Finch reflected, “He was outstanding. I can’t believe people wrote him off a few weeks ago, saying he was done.”

“That’s when he plays his best cricket, it was almost like poking a bear! We had some great individual and team performances and it was fantastic.

“This is huge, to be the first Australian team to be able to do it. I’m so proud of the way the guys went about the whole campaign.

“We knew our backs were against the wall [after defeat to England in the Super 12s]. I think if you keep putting people’s backs against the wall enough, you’re going to fight and we certainly did that.”

Australia coach Justin Langer was of the belief that the positive atmosphere around the camp provided the foundation for the win in Dubai. His side had lost five consecutive T20I series prior to the tournament.

He said, “We haven’t had a chance to play together for different reasons over the last 12 months so, when we did get back together, it was almost like a reunion.

“There are so many close relationships there, it’s a very special moment for everyone. We knew when we came back together how much talent we had.”

“When we were in the West Indies and Bangladesh leading into this series, there were a few missing pieces and Mitch Marsh took one of those pieces – he’s been brilliant.

“We also embraced fun – in these situations where everyone talks about bubbles, these guys have had so much fun on and off the ground. That’s important in the game of cricket and I think it was a really important part of our success.”