Sport

CASTRIES, St Lucia (AP):

Michael Hussey slammed three sixes in the final over yesterday to blast Australia to a thrilling three-wicket victory with one ball to spare over Pakistan in the ICC World Twenty20 semi-finals.

Hussey finished with an unbeaten 60 off 24 balls as Australia reached a winning total of 197-7 off 19.5 overs to set up a final against England, who beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets.

The Aussies needed 18 runs off the final over from off-spinner Saeed Ajmal and the left-handed Hussey dispatched three huge sixes and a four off successive balls to secure the victory.

"That's up there with the best feeling I've ever had in my career," the 34-year-old Hussey said. "By the end there, it was just swing as hard as I can at every ball."

Australia skipper Michael Clarke was ecstatic.

"This gentleman here, Michael Hussey, is an absolute freak," Clarke said. "That's one of the best wins I've been part of in any form of the game."

Earlier, Cameron White lashed five sixes in an important 43 off 31 balls to help pace the Australian chase.

Pakistan's total of 191-6 off 20 overs was based on half centuries from the Akmal brothers, Kamran and Umar.

Opener Kamran smacked six fours and two sixes in an even 50 off 34 balls that set the platform.

The 28-year-old Kamran shared an opening stand of 82 off 9.4 overs with left-hander Salman Butt, who contributed 32 off 30 balls.

The 19-year-old Umar Akmal dominated the second half of the innings with an unbeaten 56 off 35 balls. He lashed two fours and four sixes.