Michael Hussey guide Australia to World Cup finals

STAFF WRITER 1:15 HRS IST

Gros Islet (St Lucia), May 14 (PTI) Michael Hussey hit a 24-ball 60 to script a dramatic runchase as Australia snatched a three-wicket victory over Pakistan in the semifinals to set up a summit clash with England in the Twenty20 cricket World Cup here today.

Coming at number seven, Hussey added 53 runs off just 16 balls with Mitchell Johnson (5) and blasted three sixes and a four off Saeed Ajmal in the last over as Australia romped home with one ball to spare.

Earlier put into bat, brothers Kamran Akmal (50) and Umar Akmal (56) slammed blistering half-centuries as Pakistan amassed an imposing 191 for six.

Chasing 192 to win, the Australians were down in the dumps at 105 for five in 12.3 overs with David Warner (0), Shane Watson (16), Brad Haddin (25), Michael Clarke (17) and David Hussey (13) back into the hut.

Beckham confirms offer of England coaching role

Beckham confirms offer of England coaching role

ZURICH, May 14: David Beckham has confirmed he is keen to accept England manager Fabio Capello’s invitation to join his coaching staff at the World Cup. Beckham has been ruled out of the tournament in South Africa after rupturing his Achilles tendon while playing for AC Milan in March, but Capello wants the 35-year-old midfielder to play his part on the sidelines instead. Capello and his assistant Franco Baldini have given Beckham the chance to work as an intermediary between manager and players, as well as assisting on the training ground. Beckham, speaking on Friday at the presentation of England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup, admitted he is hopeful his rehabilitation from the injury will have progressed far enough to allow him to make the trip to South Africa. “I’ve spoken to the manager and Franco Baldini and they have made it well aware that I have a role to play with the players and the team,” Beckham said. “We have not discussed specifics but I’m honoured that a manager of Fabio’s status feels I can be important. “I am hoping to travel with the team but obviously we’ll have to see how my therapy goes.” The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is believed to have initially been concerned that his presence in the England camp could become a distraction. But Capello and Baldini have assured Beckham that he would be a valuable part of their bid to win the World Cup. Beckham is not expected to travel to England’s pre-World Cup training camp in Austria when the squad leaves on Monday, but he is set to be on the plane for South Africa on June 2. (Agencies)

Hussey powers Oz into final

Hussey powers Oz into final

Gros Islet (St Lucia), May 14: Michael Hussey scored a brilliant 60 off 24 balls to give Australia a thumping victory against Pakistan in the second semifinal of ICC World Twenty20 here today. Now Australia face England in the final on Sunday. Chasing a tough target of 192, the Australians were in trouble as they lost a few early wickets but Hussey did not allow the defending champions to gain the upperhand in the match with his masterful display. Cameron White also contributed 43 to the winning cause. Earlier, Pakistan rode on blistering half-centuries by Kamran Akmal (50) and Umar Akmal (56) to post a challenging 191 for six. Put into bat, Kamran and Salman Butt (32) shared a 58-ball 82-run opening partnership to set the tone, while Umar provided the late charge as Pakistan stunned Australia with their stroke-play in a sticky Beausejour wicket here. Inclement weather and wet ground conditions had earlier delayed the start of the match by half an hour but that did not bother the Pakistan openers as they went about their business.