Archive for the ‘May’ Category:
Too Easy, Sweet Chariot
England has swept aside Australia to become the T20 World Champions. Not since Australia stunned the world in 1987 at Eden Gardens has a more surprising, or more deserving world champion emerged.
Australia started badly, losing three wickets in the first three overs of the match. Michael Clarke cost his team dearly by batting too slowly (again) and too long (for once). Eventually, the Husseys and White put Australia at least in a with chance with 100 from the final 10 overs.
When England lost a quick wicket Australia looked in with a chance. But then the South Africans, whoops, Englishmen, took control and needed only 17 overs. Nannes and Tait could not make their usual impact and Watson went for plenty again (his economy rate for the tournament was 10.13 rpo). The Englishmen were simply too… dare I say it: POWERFUL.
So England and three South Africans finally know what it feels like to be official world champions at some form of cricket.
Take me out to the ball game, Mr Cricket
The second T20 semi final met and exceeded all expectations. After five straight wins, Australia seemed set to go down to the resurgent, defending champions. Having been set a very challenging 191 by Pakistan, the Aussies needed 18 to win from the last over with just three wickets in hand. Enter Mr Cricket.
In fact, Australia was only that close due to Michael Hussey’s efforts prior to the final over. Johnson did the right thing and scored a single from the first ball. Hussey then hit 6,6,4,6 and it was all over – 23 from just five balls easily bettered the requirement. Hussey made 60 from just 24 balls (3×4, 6×6) and with White (43 from 31 balls – 0×4, 5×6) rescued Australia, following yet another middle order wipe out.
I was totally wrong about the other semi. England obliterated Sri Lanka. Word is out that Sri Lanka thought that the tournament reverted to 50 overs per innings at the semi final stage. Six wickets for 128 – what’s that about? Anyway, nobody should surprised at the result. In the lead up to the match, Collingwood had declared this to be the most powerful England team he has played in! We must remember to take this in context – Collingwood has played in two all-conquering Ashes teams and has played alongside the likes of Solanki, Nixon, Patel, Mustard and Robert Key.
One more match of hit and giggle to go. I’m off camping now.