Hussey heroics stun Pakistan
Source: Agencies |
May 16, 2010, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
MICHAEL Hussey slammed three sixes in the final over on Friday to blast Australia to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Pakistan with one ball to spare in the ICC World Twenty20 semifinals in Castries, St Lucia.
Hussey finished unbeaten on 60 off 24 balls as Australia reached a winning total of 197-7 off 19.5 overs to set up a final against England, which beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets on Thursday.
The Aussies needed 18 runs off the final over from off-spinner Saeed Ajmal and the left-handed Hussey dispatched three huge sixes and a four off successive balls to secure the victory.
"That's up there with the best feeling I've ever had in my career," the 34-year-old Hussey said. "By the end there, it was just swing as hard as I can at every ball."
Australia skipper Michael Clarke was ecstatic at the victory.
"This gentleman here Michael Hussey is an absolute freak.
"That's one of the best wins I've been part of in any form of the game," Clarke exclaimed.
Earlier, Cameron White lashed five sixes in an important 43 off 31 balls to help pace the Australian chase.
Pakistan's total of 191-6 off 20 overs was based on half centuries from the Akmal brothers, Kamran and Umar.
Opener Kamran smacked six fours and two sixes in an even 50 off 34 balls that set the platform.
The 28-year-old Kamran shared an opening stand of 82 off 9.4 overs with left-hander Salman Butt, who contributed 32 off 30 balls.
The 19-year-old Umar Akmal dominated the second half of the innings with an unbeaten 56 off 35 balls. He lashed two fours and four sixes.
Australia's pursuit was undermined by the loss of David Warner in the first over from pacer Mohammad Aamer (3-35).
Pakistan kept a firm grip as Aamer added the scalp of Shane Watson (16) and the spinners also starred.
Michael Hussey came in to replace his brother David Hussey with Australia struggling at 105-5 in the 13th over. When White departed, lofting Aamer to long-off, there was 53 still needed off 21 balls.
Hussey struck two fours as he gathered 16 from the penultimate over from Aamer.
Then, after fast bowler Mitchell Johnson scrambled a single from the first ball of the final over, Hussey provided his heroics.
Now Australia, holder of the 50-over World Cup and Champions Trophy, has a chance to own all three international titles if it can beat old enemy England in Barbados.
"England are playing some great cricket so it's going to be a fantastic final," said Clarke.
Hussey finished unbeaten on 60 off 24 balls as Australia reached a winning total of 197-7 off 19.5 overs to set up a final against England, which beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets on Thursday.
The Aussies needed 18 runs off the final over from off-spinner Saeed Ajmal and the left-handed Hussey dispatched three huge sixes and a four off successive balls to secure the victory.
"That's up there with the best feeling I've ever had in my career," the 34-year-old Hussey said. "By the end there, it was just swing as hard as I can at every ball."
Australia skipper Michael Clarke was ecstatic at the victory.
"This gentleman here Michael Hussey is an absolute freak.
"That's one of the best wins I've been part of in any form of the game," Clarke exclaimed.
Earlier, Cameron White lashed five sixes in an important 43 off 31 balls to help pace the Australian chase.
Pakistan's total of 191-6 off 20 overs was based on half centuries from the Akmal brothers, Kamran and Umar.
Opener Kamran smacked six fours and two sixes in an even 50 off 34 balls that set the platform.
The 28-year-old Kamran shared an opening stand of 82 off 9.4 overs with left-hander Salman Butt, who contributed 32 off 30 balls.
The 19-year-old Umar Akmal dominated the second half of the innings with an unbeaten 56 off 35 balls. He lashed two fours and four sixes.
Australia's pursuit was undermined by the loss of David Warner in the first over from pacer Mohammad Aamer (3-35).
Pakistan kept a firm grip as Aamer added the scalp of Shane Watson (16) and the spinners also starred.
Michael Hussey came in to replace his brother David Hussey with Australia struggling at 105-5 in the 13th over. When White departed, lofting Aamer to long-off, there was 53 still needed off 21 balls.
Hussey struck two fours as he gathered 16 from the penultimate over from Aamer.
Then, after fast bowler Mitchell Johnson scrambled a single from the first ball of the final over, Hussey provided his heroics.
Now Australia, holder of the 50-over World Cup and Champions Trophy, has a chance to own all three international titles if it can beat old enemy England in Barbados.
"England are playing some great cricket so it's going to be a fantastic final," said Clarke.
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