Matthew Wade just keeps adding layers to his already storied cricket career.

The left-hander proved why his resurgence at the international level is one of cricket’s great stories overnight on the Gold Coast, as he guided Australia home to a tense three-wicket win against the West Indies with just one ball to spare.

Wade’s 39 not out – coming to the crease with his side in the precarious position of 5-58 – was crucial as he and skipper Aaron Finch worked in tandem to put together a 69-run partnership.

Despite only being set the modest total of 146 to win, Australia fell in a heap when power-hitters Glenn Maxwell and Tim David departed without scoring. But as he has numerous times in the past year, Wade stepped up to help secure victory for his country.

Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins lauded Wade’s ability to come in and save the team from some tough positions in recent times.

“I think we’re all used to him smacking it opening the batting, but it’s hard to get any consistent middle order to late order batters in the world, whereas he’s really taken that mantle as a finisher and he’s been awesome,” he said.

“[He’s] a huge asset and they’re really hard to come by and he’s nailed that spot.”

In years gone by, the 34-year-old has been known as a brutal opening batter at the domestic level and an energetic and courageous wicketkeeper for the national side, whose career has been a longer rollercoaster than most.

But now, after a sustained period of success betting in the middle order for Australia’s T20I side, Wade can lay claim to being one of the best finishers in world cricket.

Boasting an incredible record at the top of the order with the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL, Wade made the surprise move to number seven ahead of last year’s T20 World Cup in the UAE.

However, the move paid immediate dividends as he and Marcus Stoinis made sure the Aussies won their opening game, against South Africa, en route to an inaugural T20 World Cup title. Indeed, Wade’s player-of-the-match winning performance in the semi-final again highlighted his remarkable emergence as one of cricket’s best late-innings closers.

The wicketkeeper/batter has continued his form into 2022, with his last 19 games netting 301 runs at an unprecedented average of 100.33.

Last month, he struck 45 not out off just 21 balls to help defeat India in their three-match tour, while last night’s heroics made it the fifth time in less than 12 months he has been not out in a successful run chase.

Despite Josh Inglis being primed to take Wade’s position in the side for many years now, Wade has proved his experience is invaluable as he prepares for another T20 World Cup, this time on home soil.

Australia’s opening match of their title defence will be on 22 October against New Zealand.

Matthew Wade by Naparazzi available HERE and used under a creative commons license. The photo has not been modified.