Watson-Wahab battle would not have been out of place in a Test match, adds Athers
Thursday 21 April 2016 16:58, UK
Mark Butcher believes Shane Watson played one of his finest innings as his unbeaten half century propelled Australia past Pakistan and into the World Cup semi-finals.
Watson (64no from 66 balls) guided Australia to a six-wicket victory in Adelaide after entering the crease with his team teetering on 59-3 in pursuit of 214.
The 33-year-old, who was dropped for the match with Afghanistan earlier in the tournament, held firm while the effervescent Wahab Riaz (2-54) came hurtling in.
To get your team over the line is the aim of any cricketer and to have done it having weathered a pace storm from the unbelievably fired-up Wahab will make it extra special.”
And former England batsmen Butcher told Sky Sports that Watson will be delighted with his knock, one that secured a Sydney showdown with India on Thursday, March 26.
“That innings from Watson will give him more pleasure than any 80 or hundred he would have made in easier circumstances,” said Butcher, who played 71 Tests for England but no one-day internationals.
“To get your team over the line is the aim of any cricketer and to have done it having weathered a pace storm from the unbelievably fired-up Wahab will make it extra special.”
Watson, whose half century was his 33rd in ODI cricket, was on the backfoot early in his innings with left-armer Wahab peppering him with a hostile spell of seam.
“I was captivated by the battle, as everybody else was, and it was almost a mini episode of Test cricket in a one-day game,” said Michael Atherton after commentating on the match.
“It has happened a lot in this tournament, though, as with batsmen dominating, captains have realised they need their fast bowlers bowling aggressively to try and prevent an onslaught from batters later on.”
Watson, however, was given a costly reprieve by Rahat Ali when on four, the Pakistan quick shelling a routine catch at fine leg off the bowling of Wahab.
But former Australia all-rounder Marcus North says that slip-up was just one of a number of differences between the sides.
“It was a very tense, close contest in the end but as a package Australia are better than Pakistan,” said North, after watching Michael Clarke’s men skittle their opponents for 213 and then chalk off their target in 33.5 overs, thanks also to scores from Steve Smith (65) and Glenn Maxwell (44no).
“They just have more match winners, either with amazing hitters or in the bowling, while Pakistan have also been unable to master the fielding aspect of the game.”
Highlights of Australia's win over Pakistan will be available on Sky Sports World Cup at 1pm, 4pm, 7pm and 10pm with The Verdict, featuring VVS Laxman and Jacques Kallis, following each show.
Highlights of the match are also available in Hindi over on Zee Cinema (channel 790).
