ICC World Twenty20, Final: Australia v England at Bridgetown, May 16, 2010
Australia 147/6 (20/20 ov)
England 148/3 (17.0/20 ov)
England won by 7 wickets (with 18 balls remaining)
So, hugs, handshakes and backslaps all round as England have won their first world title in cricket! They were picked out as the dark horses to win this tournament, and after a stuttering, rain-affected start to the group stages, they hit their stride superbly in the Super Eights, winning all their games in that stage, followed by a thumping win in the semi-finals over Sri Lanka. The England dug-out leapt as one when the winning runs were hit, chasing their victorious captain down and quickly surrounding him in a joyous team huddle. The England celebrations will surely go on long into the night in Bridgetown.
Spare a thought for the Australians. They were the team to beat in this tournament, and England were the only ones to manage that feat! They were utterly dominant in the group stages and Super Eights. Their self belief and a magical innings from Michael Hussey powered them to a stunning win in the semi-final over Pakistan, but they have not been at their best today. England looked and played like the more professional side, and they are deserving champions.
Match Points:
- Australia innings
- Australia: 50 runs in 10.3 overs (66 balls), Extras 5
- 5th Wicket: 50 runs in 37 balls (DJ Hussey 20, CL White 30, Ex 0)
- Australia: 100 runs in 16.3 overs (102 balls), Extras 5
- DJ Hussey: 50 off 49 balls (1 x 4, 2 x 6)
- Innings Break: Australia – 147/6 in 20.0 overs (MEK Hussey 17, SPD Smith 1)
- England innings
- Match Delayed: England – 11/1 in 2.4 overs (C Kieswetter 9, KP Pietersen 0)
- England: 50 runs in 7.1 overs (44 balls), Extras 5
- 2nd Wicket: 50 runs in 39 balls (C Kieswetter 19, KP Pietersen 27, Ex 5)
- England: 100 runs in 11.4 overs (73 balls), Extras 7
- C Kieswetter: 50 off 40 balls (6 x 4, 1 x 6)
- 2nd Wicket: 100 runs in 65 balls (C Kieswetter 49, KP Pietersen 45, Ex 7)
