Match report: Pakistan reach semi's as Watson finally fails

Source: cricinfo.com

• Pakistan 149/6 (Jamshed 55, Akmal 32) defeated Australia 117/7 (Hussey 54*, Ajmal 3/17)

Summary:

Australia's top order has finally came undone in this year's T20 World Cup, exposing a brittle middle order as Pakistan's battery of slow bowlers spun them to victory and a place in the semi-finals. Defending a gettable target of 150 for victory, the spin trio of Mohammad Hafeez (2/22), Raza Hasan (2/14) and Saeed Ajmal (3/17) claimed all of the Australian wickets while also restricting run scoring. Michael Hussey's unbeaten 54 ensured Australia passed the magic mark of 112, the number of runs they needed to qualify for the semi's without having to rely on the result of the South Africa-India match.

Soft underbelly:

For the first time in the tournament, Australia needed runs from batsmen other than Warner and Watson, and were found wanting. The inexperienced middle order of skipper George Bailey, Cameron White and Glenn Maxwell couldn't rise to the occasion. Neither could wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, who could only make 13 in his first at bat for the tournament. If not for veteran Michael Hussey, Australia could well be out of the World Cup.

Who's hot:

Pakistan: Pakistan's spinners have carried them through a number of matches already in the World Cup, and this match was no exception. No. 3 batsman Nasir Jamshed, who has been quiet in recent matches, compiled his second fifty of the tournament.

Australia: Michael Hussey showed again why he's a big game player, batting not to win the match but to ensure Australia got through. On a more positive note, Australia were again solid with the ball, restricting a powerful Pakistani line-up. Mitchell Starc (3/20) in particular continued his excellent form.

What it means:

Pakistan: Again into the last four of a T20 World Cup, the fourth time in four tournaments. They can win matches with either their powerful batting or crafty bowling which will hold them in good stead for their match against Sri Lanka.

Australia: Still won the group despite the loss, which is a good result considering the opposition. Massive questions over their ability against spin bowling and the fragility of the middle order. Could there be a reprieve for forgotten man David Hussey?

The Votes:

MVP: 3- S Ajmal (three wickets, kept it tight), 2- R Hasan (snared all important wicket of Watson), 1- M Hussey (saved Australia's bacon)

Tucker Trophy: 1- B Hogg (three overs for 29), 2- P Cummins (copped a battering with the ball and got out for a duck), 3- G Maxwell (dropped Jamshed on zero)