Hussey guides Australia to thrilling win
Cricinfo staff
30-Sep-2009
Michael Hussey's contribution proved invaluable in Australia's progress to the semi-finals. • AFP
Michael Hussey top scored for Australia with 64 in a nerve-wracking chase that saw them edge home by two wickets off the final ball of the match, and earn a place in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy.
In pursuit of a modest target of 206, Australia started well with Shane Watson and Tim Paine scoring briskly. The pair were dismissed in fairly quick succession, and it was then that Michael Hussey strung an important stand of 81 with Ricky Ponting to put Australia in a dominant position.
Hussey's innings was laced with six fours and a six, and he did an excellent job, rotating the strike and going for the shots when the opportunity was on offer. However, his contribution was almost wasted as Australia collapsed, losing six wickets for 47, before the ninth-wicket pair of Brett Lee and Nathan Hauritz saw off a tense phase to seal a thrilling win.
Australia take on old foes England in Centurion in the semi-final. Pakistan take on New Zealand in Johannesburg in the other.