Stoinis says Australia “love each other” after T20 World Cup win vs New Zealand

Australia won their first ever T20 World Cup, beating New Zealand by eight wickets in the final thanks to an outstanding innings from Mitchell Marsh.

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Marcus Stoinis paid tribute to his Australia teammates after their T20 World Cup win, insisting: “We actually love each other.”

Australia did not enter the tournament as one of the main favourites, having lost their last five T20 series.

When they were utterly demolished by England and Jos Buttler in the Super 12 stage, it looked as though they could crash out before the semi-finals.

However, two dominant wins over Bangladesh and the West Indies ensured that Australia made it out of their group and they then handed Pakistan their first defeat of the tournament in dramatic fashion to reach the final.

Despite an outstanding innings from New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, Australia chased down their target with eight wickets in hand to win the tournament for the first time in their history.

Mitchell Marsh’s 77 not out and David Warner’s 53 were key to the win, while Josh Hazlewood bowled brilliantly to pick up 3-16.

Speaking after the game, Stoinis said: “The key is this group of boys, we actually love each other. It is beautiful, I can’t wait to keep playing with this team. I’m so proud of them.

“You won’t find bigger supporters of Mitch Marsh than right here, apart from his family. We are so proud of him!”

Marsh, who was named player of the match for his innings, also paid tribute to his teammates, saying: “I feel like a lot of people say this but I don’t really have words right now.

“What an amazing six weeks with this group of men. I love them to death and now we’re world champs.

“I just love playing for this team. I just wanted to get out there and have a presence, which big Marcus Stoinis always talks to me about. I can’t believe it. It’s unbelievable.”