Michael Hussey snatch sensational victory for Australia in semi-finals (Roundup)
By IANSFriday, May 14, 2010
GROS ISLET - Michael Hussey produced a breathtaking 24-ball 60 to give Australia a sensational come-from-behind three-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second semi-final of the World Twenty20.
Hussey blasted off-spinner Saeed Ajmal for three sixes in the last over in which Australia needed 18 runs to chase down a tough target of 192 runs.
Australia were stuttering at 144 for seven before Hussey brought them back into the match single-handedly. Cameron
White was the other top contributor with 43 off 31 balls.
Hussey smashed 48 runs in the 53-run stand with Mitchell Johnson that came in just 16 balls. He struck six sixes and
three fours to take the game away from Pakistan.
Australia needed 34 runs from the last two overs and Hussey hit 16 with the help of two fours in the 19th over.
Afridi showed faith on his best bowler of the tournament, Ajmal to stand up to Hussey in the last over. Johnson gave
the strike back to Hussey, who pulled the second ball to mid-wicket for a six and went down his knee to hit the next
ball over long on for another six.
He levelled the score with a four and then finished with a six for a stunning victory. The Pakistani dug-out watched in disbelief even as Australians rushed to embrace Hussey.
It was a complete turnaround as Pakistan, who were on the verge of ouster in the tournament after losing their first
two Super Eights matches, were on their way to reach the final before Hussey stopped their march.
Pakistan, after being sent in by Australian captain Michael Clarke, rode on half centuries from Akmal brothers-Umar (56
not out) and Kamran (50) and contribution from stylish left hander Salman Butt (32) to set-up a challenging total.
It was the best batting performance from Pakistan in the tournament and the bowlers too were fired up to give their
best.
Young pacer Mohammad Aamer was the pick of the bowlers taking three wickets for 35 runs while Abdur Rehman got two
wickets.
Aamer began the Australian slide as he struck in the first over of the innings removing dangerous David Warner caught
by Umar at backward point.
Shane Watson hit two fours and a six in his 9-ball 16 but Aamer dismissed him too.
Brad Haddin (25) and Michael Clarke (17) added 32 runs. But left-arm spinner Rehman broke the partnership when Haddin
came charging down the track only to be stumped.
Shahid Afridi removed Michael Clarke before Cameron White steadied the innings with a 31-ball 43 that included five
fours.
But Australia were falling back on the run rate and needed a magical knock from someone to reverse their fortunes and
Hussey came in for their rescue.
Rahul