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Australia booked the semi-final spot with a thrilling two-wicket win over Pakistan in the Group A match at the SuperSport Park on Wednesday.
In reply to Pakistan’s 205 for six, Australia after losing six wickets for 40 runs did the thriller in the very last ball.
For Australia, Man of the match Michael Hussey was at his best to hit a brilliant 64 off 87 balls. Skipper Ricky Ponting also contributed well with his knock of 32. But no other batsman could withstand the fiery bowling of Naved-ul-Hasan and Mohammad Asif.
The Pakistan bowling was superb in this match. Naved-ul-Hasan was very much impressive with his spell of 1-39. So was the bowling from the former pacer Mohammad Asif, who scalped 2 wickets for 34 runs. Saeed Ajmal was also impressive in the slug overs.
The Aussies started well with Michael Hussey providing stability to the innings, but once he was out in the 41st over, the Australians fell like ninepins. It was a lot of drama for the Australians as four runs were to be made off the last over, but Brett Lee and Nathan Hauritz rotated the strike well to put their team into the semi-finals.
It was an important match for India as they were hoping Pakistan to win and it could have opened a chance for them to go for the semi-finals. But Pakistan’s defeat pushed India out of Champions Tourney.
Australia are now on top in Group A and will face England in the semis at Friday, whereas Pakistan will take on New Zealand at the second semi-final at the Wanderers on Saturday.
Earlier, Mitchell Johnson (2-45) and Shane Watson (2-32) troubled the Pakistani batsmen from the beginning and were well supported by Brett Lee and James Hopes who took one wicket each.
Among the Pakistani batsmen, only Mohammed Yousuf (45), Kamran Akmal (44) and Misbah-ul-Haq (41) could resist the Australian attack to take the score to a modest of 205 for six.
Brief Score
Pakistan 205 for Six
Australia 206 for Eight
Man of the Match- Michael Hussey
Result- Australia won by two wickets
