ICC Champions Trophy: close encounters

2009 ICC Champions Trophy:

Australia Vs Pakistan, Centurion , 30 September

Michael Hussey scored a valiant 64 against Pakistan

The 2009 edition was initially scheduled to be played at Pakistan in 2008. But due to security problems, several players opted out of the tournament, thereby postponing it. South Africa was chosen as the hosting nation for the 2009 edition. Pakistan had earlier won against West Indies and India comfortably, and confirmed their semi final spot. Australia with a washed out match against India, were desperate for a win to book a semi final spot.

Australia had won the toss and elected to field first. Kamran Akmal provided a solid start to Pakistan’s innings with a well constructed 44 off 63 balls. Mohammad Yusuf and Misbah Ul Haq would then contribute significantly to Pakistan’s total, scoring 45 and 41 runs respectively, helping Pakistan post 205-6 at the end of 50 overs on a slow wicket.

Australia, set a target of 206, were cruising easily at 140 for 2 in 31 overs, with Ponting and Hussey at the crease when things started to change drastically. Shoaib Malik claimed the vital wicket of Ponting, which triggered a batting collapse for the Aussies. Credit to some brilliant bowling from Pakistan, reduced Australia to 187 for 8 with 19 required from 25 balls. The Aussies needed to tie this match at least, for a semi final spot. The 46th over turned out to be a maiden from Naved-Ul-Hasan. This left Australia needing 18 of the last three overs. Brett Lee and Nathan Hauritz scored a boundary each and ran some quick singles, leaving Australia 4 runs to score of the final over, with 3 runs to qualify. Umar Gul was handed the ball and he was firing in-swinging yorkers at both the batsmen, who finally would manage to cross the margin and propel Australia to the semi final, where they would win against England comfortably. They would then go on to take the Champions trophy title for the second consecutive time by beating the Kiwis by 6 wickets.