Last Updated on 3 years by Charbel Coorey
3 reasons why Australia qualified for the T20 World Cup Semi Finals | 3 key reasons why Australia qualified for the 2021 T20 WC Semi Finals
It’s safe to say that Australia had question marks about them heading into the World Cup. Sure, eight defeats across West Indies and Bangladesh in the leadup to the tournament had certain mitigating factors such as the absence of key stars, but it must be reminded that the Australians did lose their previous three T20I series with stronger teams.
How will Australia cope with David Warner’s loss of form? Is there enough runs in the top order to cover for a middle order that still has its question marks? Is a strategy of four specialist bowlers – including just the one specialist spinner – too risky for UAE conditions? What about the fact that Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins ply their best trade in the red ball format?
In the end, Australia answered these questions quite well, qualifying for the Semi Finals in what looked to be a very competitive group on paper. Spare a thought for South Africa, who missed out on the Semi Finals despite four of their own victories, including being the only team to beat England. For Australia, four victories out of five represents a team that has what it takes to win consistently, and here are three key reasons why Australia overcame the doubters to qualify for the final four.
Why Australia qualified for the Semi Finals of the 2021 T20 World Cup
1. Making a huge headstart in the powerplay
Heading into the tournament, many believed that Aaron Finch and David Warner would hold the key to Australia’s hopes. Specifically, how they would navigate the powerplay could set the perfect platform for the middle order to then tee off.
Instead, it was the other way around, with the bowling attack often dominating in this phase. Led by Josh Hazlewood in particular, who continues to be revelation in T20 cricket, Australia took a total of 11 powerplay wickets in the tournament – 10 of which came in the crunch matches against South Africa, Bangladesh and West Indies. By the end of those six overs, Australia were so far ahead that they could play from in front and make up some crucial ground in the net run rate equation.
Hazlewood finished as Australia’s leading seamer with eight wickets in five matches at an average of 13.75 and economy rate of 6.87. The way he responded to being taken apart by Chris Gayle early in the West Indies match is testament to Hazlewood’s form and ability as he continues to produce the goods after playing a key role in CSK’s IPL 2021 triumph.
2. The form of Adam Zampa
Heading into a global tournament in the UAE with just the one specialist spinner is quite the risk. It puts onus on the spinner to not only keep the runs down, but also take wickets in those crucial middle overs.
To Adam Zampa’s credit, he did just that. The leg-spinner was terrific right throughout the group stage, taking a total of 11 wickets at an average of 9.90 and economy rate of 5.73. Five of those came against a hapless Bangladesh side with one foot already in Dhaka airport, but Zampa was also superb in the matches against South Africa (2/21), Sri Lanka (2/12) and West Indies (1/20).
If Australia are to go all the way in this World Cup, Zampa will need to continue his brilliant form. If he can continue taking wickets at a cheap rate, it significantly reduces the opposition’s chances of setting up the perfect launching pad for those death overs.
3. South Africa’s lack of batting intent
As mentioned, winning four matches out of five and still missing out on the Semi Finals is tough luck. However, it was only until their last game against England that South Africa showed enough intent with the bat. The talented Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram were outstanding, but unfortunately for South Africa, they were left heartbroken in an ICC tournament once again.
This ultimately came down to the contrasting way in which South Africa and Australia approached their run chases against Bangladesh. The Proteas bowled Bangladesh out cheaply (84) which gave them a big net run rate boost over an Australian side that was pummelled by England. However, it took South Africa 14.2 overs to chase the target, leaving net run rate points out there with them.
When Australia bowled Bangladesh out cheaply (73), Aaron Finch and co. then went about chasing these runs as quickly as possible. In chasing the target in a little over six overs, Australia then jumped ahead of South Africa on net run rate heading into the final game. With the Windies out of the tournament, Australia cruised to another victory, while a brilliant victory for the Proteas over England was not enough to seal qualification.
Now, the challenge for Australia will be to produce good cricket against Pakistan, who are very much likely to be their Semi Final opponent. David Warner, with two fifties in the group stage, has looked to find some form, but the Pakistani attack is a different kettle of fish. So, Australia will need to do their bit with the ball if they wish to lift this trophy for the very first time.
