Warner considering final tactics after record-breaking Auckland chase

Australia turned in a record-breaking performance to beat New Zealand, but David Warner is now mulling over their options for the final.

Published : Feb 16, 2018 16:23 IST

Australia's record-breaking Twenty20 international run chase has given captain David Warner plenty to think about ahead of the tri-series final, as a huge score may not be enough for victory.

Facing New Zealand at Eden Park, where next Wednesday's decider will be played, Australia passed the target of 244 - the highest international chase in the history of the format.

Warner contributed 59 runs in a fine opening partnership with D'Arcy Short, but he is now left pondering how to attack the final in Auckland.

"It was a fantastic effort from the guys," he said. "You just have to take the scoreboard out of it. We brought it back slightly [with the ball], although it was a fantastic knock by New Zealand as well.

"It is a fantastic surface. A score of 240 might not be enough in the final. We'll need to think about it."

And opposite number Kane Williamson paid tribute to Australia for their stunning turnaround.

"It is a very good surface, a small ground," the New Zealand captain added. "We've sometimes seen scores on the lower side here.

"At the halfway point, you feel you have a fairly good score on the board. It's a very tough one. Australia played very nicely. It's hard to be too critical of the bowlers; half hits would go 20 rows back."

The Black Caps had earlier seen opener Martin Guptill break the record for T20 international runs, becoming New Zealand's fastest centurion with a 49-ball ton, and he was then optimistic about his side's chances.

"The way Colin [Munro] and myself started the innings, we thought we would have some fun," Guptill said. 

"I'm happy with the final total and it's great to have scored a hundred in a T20 international."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment