Michael Hussey’s last over madness (Source: @cricbuzz/x.com)
If Test cricket is a storm that takes time to form, T20 is the hurricane that destroys everything in seconds. Since the shortest format of the game was introduced to the world, the sky-high thrills, unreal excitement made each clash of the format unmissable as fans never had even a single dull moment.
The format became grand after the T20 World Cup was introduced, as fans got a chance to celebrate the format. Since its launch in 2007, the game has delivered explosive knocks, magical spells, and unforgettable last-ball dramas. But among all, some clashes stay in the heart forever.
In the inaugural edition of the tournament, fans saw a thrilling clash between Australia and Pakistan, where Michael Hussey’s ruthless batting broke the Men in Green’s hope of a thrilling win. Let’s relive the madness again.
Pakistan turn up the heat with the ball to secure a big win
Bilateral clashes are interesting, but nothing comes close to the madness of the World Cup. When the biggest stage meets the shortest format, the madness hits a whole new level, delivering moments that live forever. If the World Cup comes into the shortest format, the madness goes to a whole different level, and the first edition of the T20 World Cup is still fresh in fans’ memories.
During the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007, Pakistan and Australia locked horns in the semifinal, and the cricket world witnessed a mad T20 drama on the field. While batting first, Pakistan put on a big total of 191 runs, and the drama ignited when the Aussies came to chase down the total.
Only in the second delivery of the second innings, Mohammad Amir sent David Warner back on a two-ball duck, and Australia faced an early setback. As they were eyeing a bounceback, Shane Watson’s dismissal added more woes.
In front of Amir’s fury, Australia looked helpless as the natters failed to stitch a strong partnership. Michael Hussey stood tall amidst all the storms, but the other batters failed to back the side.
Hussey’s final-over brilliance delivers an unforgettable win
After Steve Smith walked away, scoring only 5 runs, Mitchell Johnson joined Hussey on the field. Having the Aussie bowler on the other end, he took the charge. After hitting some brave shots in the 19th over, Australia needed 18 runs in the last over, and the Men in Green were looking for Hussey’s wicket.
Captain Shahid Afridi trusted Saeed Ajmal with the ball, and the world saw a magical finish. Ajmal delivered just one run in the first ball, and Hussey came on the strike. Needing 17 from the final five deliveries, the moment was primed for a miracle.
In the next two deliveries, Hussey unleashed his firepower and smashed two consecutive sixes to Ajmal. In the next three deliveries, Australia needed just five runs, and Pakistan’s nerve began to fray. When Ajmal was struck for a four soon after, Australia could almost taste a hard-fought victory.
The score levelled with that boundary, and a single run stood between Australia and a semifinal victory. Taking the pressure on shoulder, setting the eyes firmly on the victory, Hussey rolled up sleeves and smashed a six, securing a thrilling victory.
After dominating the early stages, Pakistan seemed set for a convincing win, but Australia once again showed their knack for turning the impossible into reality. The tournament has seen uncountable jaw-dropping matches, but that match is still an iconic one.
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