RoastedLinuxHussey's heroics and White's batting save Australia
January 14th 2009 00:00
Australia all-rounder Cameron White blitzed a thrilling 40 not out to bring Australia back from the brink to win the second Twenty20 international against South Africa in Brisbane.
Chasing 157 for five, the hosts appeared to be struggling when two outstanding pieces of fielding - to remove Ricky Ponting and David Hussey - appeared to hand the Proteas the initiative.
But a hardworking innings from Michael Hussey (53no), who received an early reprieve, and White's devastating 18-ball cameo, which included four consecutive boundaries off Wayne Parnell, saw the hosts home with seven balls to spare.
JP Duminy had earlier steered South Africa to a competitive total with a well-timed 69no.
Defending his side's 157, Johan Botha opted to open the bowling with his own off-spinners -a bold move which paid immediate dividends when the first over of the reply went for just one.
Dale Steyn started from the other end and was treated with less respect, Shaun Marsh using the pace of the ball to pull him over long leg for six.
But, as in the South Africa knock, runs did not flow easily early on.
Indeed, David Warner, whose thrilling 89 lit up the first match, was unable to find his stride at all.
He had mustered seven runs from 12 deliveries when a fizzing Steyn yorker beat the bat and ricocheted into the stumps.
Marsh was next to go, playing on the up against Morne Morkel but failing to beat the infield to make it 29 for one with 6.1 overs down.
Mark Boucher missed a stumping chance against Michael Hussey early in his knock and the batsman seemed to thrive after his slice of luck, finding the ropes three times in quick succession to join Ponting in the twenties.
The chase was gaining some momentum, with Ponting piercing the off-side field with two majestic cuts for four.
But two brilliant pieces of fielding turned the game firmly in the tourists' favour.
First Morne Morkel ran out Ponting (38) with an athletic dive and throw and then Duminy pocketed an exceptional catch over his shoulder in the deep to remove David Hussey for two.
The 24-year-old mis-judged another difficult chance as the climax approached, coming in a shade too far before seeing White's shot go over his head for four.
The all-rounder then smashed Parnell's next three balls to the ropes to hammer home the mistake and make it advantage Australia.
Michael Hussey brought up his 50 with an ugly-looking mow into the outfield when the unfortunate Parnell was unable to take a difficult catch. It was his side's last chance.
Australia needed nine off the last two overs, but White ensured it was all over with seven balls to go, smiting Morne Morkel for a flat-batted four down the ground and a huge six to end it in thrilling fashion.
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