AARON Finch smashed a six off the penultimate delivery to guide Victoria to a seven-wicket win over Central Districts in Pretoria – their first victory of the Champions League Twenty20.
The young opener, who was handed two lives along the way, finished unbeaten on 93 and shared in half-century stands with David Hussey (18) and Andrew McDonald (18 not out) as the Australian side chased down a target of 165 with a ball to spare.
Earlier it was Jamie How’s unbeaten 77 that helped his side set a competitive target, which looked unlikely at the midway point of the innings when they had only 48 on the board with three wickets down.
They made a wretched start, losing Peter Ingram (nought) and Tim Weston (two) inside the first three deliveries – Peter Siddle responsible for the damage.
But captain How dropped anchor, with the likes of Mathew Sinclair (14) and George Worker (29) batting nicely around him to help reach 83 before the latter departed with still work to do.
And once Brendon Diamanti joined the skipper, they put on 66 in just 29 deliveries, including a massive 28 from the 17th over bowled by John Hastings that helped lift the momentum. Diamanti was dismissed for 19, but Kieran Noema-Barnett (11 not out) provided the big finish with a six from the last ball to help the HRV Cup winners to 165 for five.
In response Finch was handed an early reprieve when he was caught off a no-ball by Doug Bracewell. But Seth Rance made amends when he dismissed Rob Quiney for 15, while Weston also combined well with Diamanti to run-out Matthew Wade (nine).
It was 74 for two at the halfway stage, with the Stags desperate for a breakthrough to stay in the contest.
It almost came through Worker but he put down a return catch from Finch, this time on 43, before the opener reached his 50 in 40 balls with the Australians still in control.
With 12 needed from the last over, Bracewell conceded four from the first ball which was followed by that maximum from man-of-the-match Finch to help the Bushrangers over the line. (Eurosport)