What a match!

In a semi-final that went down to the wire, Michael Hussey’s stellar batting brought an end to Pakistan’s quest for a third consecutive World Twenty20 final.

The best T20 game and one of the most astonishing batting performances I have seen!

Over the years, we have come to admire Michael Hussey because of his statesmanlike batting but wondered if he had much of a role in T20 cricket. Well, he does and in proving that, he has risen as a cricketer enormously. The finest batsmen are able to play all forms of the game and the reason so many of them are increasingly adapting to this form of the game is that they play correct cricket. And in doing so, are often in very good positions to play shots.

I thought Pakistan did most things right. To get 191 against the best bowling attack was an exceptional effort and even though only 7 came off the last over, you had to believe it was enough on a big day. In fact, I thought Pakistan’s best chance was to bat first, put runs on the board and stifle Australia with their slower bowlers. It worked for 37 overs in the game!

Hussey and Mitchell Johnson put on 53 in 16 balls and Johnson, a free stroking batsman himself, made 3 of those; indeed his best contribution was in taking a single off the last ball! But even as you admire Hussey’s batting, here are a couple of factors that were not immediately apparent; the little 1% things that make a difference.

In the 19th over, Hussey kept coming back for twos which allowed him to retain strike. It was intelligent cricket but also showed his fitness at 35. And in the last over, Hussey got four over short third man; a shot that a better fielding side would have got a hand to.

Pakistan will be devastated but they didn’t lose the game. Australia snatched it away and eventually the best side in the competition found its way into the final!!