We had given up hope: Hussey recollects 2010 World T20 semi against Pakistan

On this day in 2010, Michael Hussey smashed three sixes in four balls to lead Australia to a remarkable three-wicket win over Pakistan in the last over of Twenty20 World Cup semi-final in St Lucia.

Hussey hit six sixes in all to finish with an unbeaten 60 in just 24 deliveries as Australia passed Pakistan’s 191 for six, the joint second highest score of this tournament, with a ball to spare to clinch a final meeting with England.

“To this day, this is one of the best feelings I have ever had while playing the game. Pakistan had probably outplayed us for most of the game and got themselves to a position of win,” said Hussey while recalling that particular match in a video released by the International Cricket Council (ICC).  

Australia were in trouble at 62 for four in the ninth over but then Cameron White blasted five sixes in his 43 off 31 balls to get his side back in the game.

When White went in the 17th over it still looked a long shot for Michael Clarke’s men with 53 needed from 3.3 overs.

That was reduced to 34 off two overs and then 18 from the final over by 0ff-spinner Saeed Ajmal.

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Mitchell Johnson pushed a single to give Hussey the strike and the left-hander responded with some astonishing batting.

“When I came to bat, we still needed plenty of runs and it was about getting close as we could possibly could. We needed around 50 runs in three overs and had pretty much given up hope,” he said. “It was just a case of swing and see how it goes.”

“Coming up against Ajmal, someone who I had enormous respect for. He got me out so many times throughout my career and I had a lot trouble facing him,” Hussey said while praising the Pakistan off-spinner.  

“The only thing which was in our favour was the short boundary on the leg-side and a big strong wind pushing the ball that way,” he added. “That amazing game, I will never forget for the rest of my life.”