Six-hungry Stoinis clubs record-breaking knock as Australia’s World Cup defence stays alive

Marcus Stoinis was at his thunderous best as Australia kept its T20 World Cup title defence alive.

The Aussies entered the clash with Sri Lanka in Perth in desperate need of victory after dropping their first game to New Zealand on the weekend.

Despite restricting Sri Lanka to 6/157 and therefore a gettable target, the pressure was on the hosts all night.

When Stoinis strode to the crease, Australia still required 69 runs from 46 balls and there was tension in the air even though they had seven wickets in hand.

Enter Stoinis who clubbed Australia’s quickest T20 half-century off 17 balls – breaking Glenn Maxwell’s previous record by one delivery – finishing with 59 not out (18 balls) which included six sixes and four fours.

His knock led the Aussies to 3/158, claiming the win with 21 balls remaining.

It was an innings which saved his nation’s hide and pumped up their campaign which had been on life support.

Former Aussie spinner Brad Hogg summed it superbly on SEN Cricket after Stoinis improved the side’s net run rate which had taken a hit on Saturday night.

“That is an innings that has saved Australia – not just today but getting that net run rate up and putting them back in the competition – they have a chance of defending their title,” Hogg said.

In support of Stoinis with the bat was captain and opener Aaron Finch who made a steady and unbeaten 31 from 42 balls, while Maxwell chipped in with 23 off 12 balls.

Andrew McDonald’s Australian outfit now faces a must-win matchup with England at the MCG on Friday night.

Anything less than a victory would likely place Australia’s title defence in jeopardy in that they would not hold their destiny in their own hands.

For the Sri Lankans, they sit in third position in Group 1 but next meet the Blackcaps at the SCG on Saturday in a fixture that could decide their World Cup fate.