As Matthew Wade retires, let’s take a moment back into 2021. Who can forget Matthew Wade hitting a heroic knock that bailed out his teammates during the 2021 T20 World Cup in Adelaide against Pakistan? His three scoops off Pakistan spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi in the final over, however, showed nerve and skill and commitment that were characteristic of a celebrated career that has lasted 13 years.
Wade Turning The Tide With Stoinis
It was one of those nights that Wade would never forget. Australia was chasing 177. With the wickets falling in regular intervals, the pressure mounted. With 50 runs needed off the final four overs, Wade joined Marcus Stoinis in the middle. The two all-rounders took on Pakistan’s best bowlers and delivered a masterclass in chase-building under pressure. But it was Wade’s fearlessness against Afridi in the 19th over that etched his name into T20 folklore.
The Three Scoops That Shocked Pakistan
Needs 20 runs from the last two overs and Wade brazenly launched three consecutive scoops for sixes, each more outrageous than the last. First, he stepped out of his stumps to Afridi’s full-length delivery and moved across the wickets, exposing the stumps behind him. He timed the shot beautifully, taking it over fine leg. Afridi went back a fraction in length, but Wade had anticipated that as well. The second six had him on top of the bowler, scooping again effortlessly. In the third six, Australia had sealed a final ticket, with Wade finishing off the match with a style that sent both Pakistan and their supporters to stunned silence.
Wade & His Resilience
From this single over, Wade got Pakistan out and proved how his career had changed his journey from a utility wicket-keeper batsman to match-winner one. It was the career summit where persistence, strength and the courage at the right moment marked Wade’s passage. In some ways, Wade’s whole journey tells of his spirit of fight—a player for every role and challenge as he gripped it in grit and audacity.
The Legacy of a Fearless Cricketer
As Wade leaves international cricket, three scoops against Shaheen Afridi in 2021 will go down in the annals of Australian T20 history, never to be forgotten by fans. The knock epitomized his career: gritty, relentless and ultimately, victorious. His legacy will inspire future generations to play fearlessly, with belief and resolve, just like he did on that magical night in Dubai.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
