England humble Aussies to lift first ICC title
BRIDGETOWN: England won a major limited overs international title for the first time in history when they defeated their arch rivals Australia by seven wickets in the final of the third World Twenty20 here at the Kensington Oval on Sunday.
Chasing a modest target of 148 runs, England had little trouble in reaching the target as they got it in 17 overs for the loss of three wickets after putting Australia into bat.
Opener Craig Kieswetter top scored with 63 while Kevin Pietersen made 47 and both added 111 runs for the second wicket partnership after England lost Michel Lumb for only seven runs on the board.
Earlier, David Hussey struck an intelligent 59 as Australia clawed their way back from a dreadful start to make 147 for six.
Australia were in serious trouble at eight for three and made only 24 runs from the opening six over powerplay.
The stuttering start began when Shane Watson was caught by Graeme Swann at slip off Ryan Sidebottom after keeper Craig Kieswetter had spilled the ball.
Hard-hitting left-hander Dave Warner was run out after a hesitant call from skipper Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin was controversially ruled caught behind when replays showed Sidebottom''s leg-side delivery brushed his hip.
After Clarke went, superbly caught by Paul Collingwood off the excellent Graeme Swann, Cameron White (30 off 21) and Hussey led the recovery with a 50-run partnership in 6.2 overs.
David Hussey had been dropped by Stuart Broad when on just 25 but Broad made amends by taking a fine catch to remove the dangerous White.
Mike Hussey, whose sensational 60 against Pakistan earned Australia their place in the final, joined his brother and the pair put on 47 from 22 balls to help take Australia, bidding for a unique treble of one-day titles, to a competitive score.
Reply With Quote
Mai aur Meri Tanhai
England humble Aussies to lift first ICC title
Posting Permissions
