World Cup Twenty:  Coach Justin Langer believes Australia's terrible build-up to the showcase tournament was not so bad after all, with the team one victory away from their first Twenty20 World Cup championship. In the lead-up, Australia had lost five consecutive Twenty20 series, including ones in the West Indies and Bangladesh, when they had a reduced side due to the absence of several key players. Few gave Aaron Finch's team a chance at the World Cup, but they wriggled their way into the last four and upset Pakistan. In Thursday's dramatic semi-final, Australia defeated the tournament's only team with a spotless Super 12 record.

Langer spoke quickly. The tours provided crucial match practise for Josh Hazlewood, while Mitchell Marsh, an all-rounder, utilised them to break into the World Cup squad and has since been a significant player for them. "I swear, winning is more enjoyable than losing, but in the grand scheme of things, it's about this World Cup event, and so far the puzzle pieces are coming together well," Langer remarked.

In Sunday's final in Dubai, Australia will face trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand, where teams pursuing under the lights have a strong advantage. Winning the toss is more important than ever at this venue, but Australia will strive for victory regardless of whether they are chasing or setting a target, according to the coach.

BCCI announces Team India Test Squad against NZ, Kohli-Rohit out

T20 World Cup: AUS's tremendous win despite losing all hopes, into the finals

NZ's Devon Conway ruled out of World Cup final and India's T20I tour