Australia are fourth in Group I with a negative run rate after rain washed out Against England at the MCG on Friday night, but they will start as favourites in matches against Ireland and Afghanistan.
It’s the same as last year, when Australia registered big wins over Bangladesh and West Indies and reached the semi-finals on their way to winning the title. Australia’s star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell says that the key is not to put a cart in front of a horse.
“You have to get into a position where you can win games. If you go into the match thinking about the net run rate, it can be difficult. “In fact, you’ll shoot yourself in your foot.Australia will take on Ireland at the Gabba at 1:30 pm today and then Afghanistan at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.
After a crushing defeat by New Zealand at the start of the tournament, the hosts kept their title defence alive last week with Marcus Stoinis registering a stunning win over Sri Lanka.
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England’s washed out did not affect Australia’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals, but they had no room for error. Maxwell said the Australian team has an experience of almost 3000 matches in total of T20 and said that it is a big advantage.
“This experience definitely helps in T20 cricket, especially in a tournament like this where the smallest mistakes can be exposed. You make a mistake and you are out of the tournament.”
He pointed to Stoinis’ blistering knock, the fastest T20 half-century by an Australian that guaranteed them a win over Sri Lanka.