Mike Hussey

Gros Islet (St Lucia): Having been smashed for 23 in the first five balls of the final over, offie Saeed Ajmal was disconsolate. Destroyer Michael Hussey, on the other hand, was on Cloud Nine with non-striker Mitchell Johnson just as ecstatic.

The scenes, indeed, were dramatic as Australia pulled off the near-impossible to stop holders Pakistan from progressing beyond the (second) semi-final of the World Twenty20, on Friday.

With as many as 34 needed from the last two overs, few gave Australia much of a chance, but with 16 taken off the 19th, bowled by Mohammed Aamer, 18 were required from the final over.

A single by Johnson on the first delivery was followed by Hussey’s brilliant finish — 6,6,4,6... Once described as ‘Mr Cricket’, he could’ve continued clearing the rope.

Mind-boggling at No.7 in a T20 line-up.

Clearly, at the crunch, Shahid Afridi blundered by giving the last over to a spinner. That’s why, perhaps, he didn’t present himself before the media.

Nine times out of 10, teams scoring 191 for six in the last-four of a world event would’ve been able to defend that total. Pakistan failed, despite taking three wickets within eight overs.

“It’s not that we played badly... Australia’s batting was outstanding... Hussey played an unbelievable innings... Still can’t believe it... Now, Australia have the momentum and will be hard to beat in the final,” observed Pakistan’s coach, Waqar Younis.

Michael Clarke’s emotions were very different.

“It’s a big day in my career, yes... I’m excited and looking forward to Sunday’s final,” Clarke, the Australia captain, told The Telegraph.

Clarke and MoM Hussey (60 not out from only 24; 3x4,6x6) hadn’t really got a hold on their emotions, even after half-an-hour, when they came for the press conference.

The following are excerpts from what Clarke said

Australia making their first final in three editions...

Yes, I can believe the result, because of the guy (Hussey) sitting next to me... It was an unbelievable performance from any cricketer at any level... We’ve shown that nobody should ever write us off... Hussey and Whitey (Cameron White) had an unbelievable day... That we haven’t won this tournament gives us the extra ammo.

[For the record, Australia have won the last three World Cups and retained the Champions Trophy last October. It’s an awesome record.]

What has made the difference this time

More experience... Then, we’ve worked hard and focused on improving in T20... A bit of luck, too, has played its part... We took time in working out our best T20 squad and we’ve got a mix of quality individuals.

Thoughts at the break

Frankly, when we came off at the break, I’d thought we’d given Pakistan 15-20 runs extra... But I was confident, given our batting line-up... We bat deep.

‘Caught’ chewing his nails towards the close

Don’t have nails left! I watched the first ball of the final over, saw Mitch (Johnson) take a single and went into the changing room... I heard shouts on the next delivery and the one after that and realised sixes were being hit... I was too nervous.

Pakistan’s batting performance after being made to set a target

They batted very well, the Akmal brothers, in particular.

Meeting England in the final

England have been playing very well and have the confidence... Kevin Pietersen is in form and he’ll be playing a huge part... They’ve adapted well to the conditions and, probably, were the best side in their group... I expect a great final... Irrespective of the opposition, it’s a special feeling for the guys.

T20 Ashes

(Laughs) Perhaps, there’s that extra spice... Any opportunity to try and beat England is a good opportunity... I wouldn’t compare this with the Ashes as, I think, eight of our guys aren’t in the Test squad.

Final at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown

The conditions there will suit us more than St Lucia... The bounce will help our batters and bowlers.

The Australian women, too, making Sunday’s final

Hopefully, both of us will get over the line. It will be a super Sunday, for sure.

Now, excerpts from Hussey’s session with the media...

Feelings

Probably the best I’ve felt since getting the winning runs in the Ashes Test in Adelaide (2006-07)... (Adds smiling) I did have my doubts about getting to the target.

Thoughts in the last over, when 18 were required

Wanted to hit the ball up in the wind... Wanted to hit sixes... Was saying to myself that I should hit off the middle... It was special to see the elation on the faces of my mates.

Finally, on T20 cricket...

Have always enjoyed T20 and it’s a great format through which to fall in love with the game... It’s an awesome concept, but my first love remains Test cricket.

Footnote: Pakistan have got dethroned, but there will be a Pakistani presence in one of the dugouts — former leggie Mushtaq Ahmed is on England’s support staff. “I don’t need to give him tips... He doesn’t need any,” Waqar quipped.