3 reasons Marcus Stoinis is the best finisher in 2024 T20 World Cup
Riding on a sensational counter-attacking half-century from Marcus Stoinis, Australia defeated Scotland and knocked them out of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Coming in at a precarious situation with Australia struggling at 60/3, Stoinis took the game by the scruff of the neck and turned it around quickly in Australia’s favour.
The win also ensured their arch-rivals England went through to the Super 8s, thanks to a superior net run rate than Scotland. Stoinis started with a delectable square cut and followed it up with reverse and conventional sweeps. The 59-run knock off 29 balls had absolutely everything, setting up a thrilling five-wicket victory.
Over the last year and a half, Stoinis has taken his white ball game to a whole new level. He has improved his game in every aspect, which has made him one of the finest finishers in the modern game. To add to his batting heroics, Stoinis has been useful in the Caribbean conditions with the ball as well.
The 2021 champions started the tournament as one of the prime contenders and their unbeaten run so far has ignited hopes of becoming just the third team to win the T20 World Cup twice. Stoinis has lent the ideal balance to the team and will be hoping to do the same in the Super 8s.
Having said that, let us have a look at why Marcus Stoinis is the best finisher in the T20 World Cup:
# 1. Stoinis is arguably the most brutal stroke player in the T20 World Cup
During the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Stoinis expressed his desire to become the best finisher in the world in the next three years, and he seems to have achieved his goal. Stoinis is the second-highest run-getter in the tournament so far with 156 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 190.24.
What makes him one of the most special batters in world cricket at the moment is his ability to smash boundaries at will. He can decimate any bowling attack on his day and he has already displayed that on all three occasions in the tournament.
Stoinis scored a quick-fire 67 against Oman when Australia were under pressure and followed it up with a 17-ball 30 against England.
# 2. Stoinis can change the complexion of the game from ball one
What makes Stoinis an integral part of the Australian white ball sides is his ability to score quickly from ball one. Not many batters in world cricket can start smoking sixes right from the outset. Be it against Oman, England or Scotland, Stoinis was at his aggressive best right from the start of his innings.
He usually sets a solid base for himself and his bat swing is one of the best in the world. He came in at a very tough time for Australia in the game against Scotland, but turned it around with a couple of lusty blows. Modern day T20 cricket demands a player who has these attributes and Stoinis definitely ticks all the boxes.
# 3. Stoinis is a brilliant reader of the game
Another important element which makes Stoinis one of the best finishers in world cricket at the moment is his reading of the game. For a finisher, it is very important to target certain bowlers and Stoinis is brilliant at targeting favourable match-ups.
He is well aware of his strengths and weaknesses and knows exactly which bowler to target at which situation of the game. After a superb outing in the group stages, Stoinis will look to continue the good work in the next round.