T20 ICC WORLD TWENTY20 WEST INDIES 2010 - Final ENG Vs AUS

T20 ICC

World Cup

Twenty20

West Indies

THE ENGLISH MAIDEN

Collingwood's Men Chase Down

148 To Win First Ever World Title

Bridgetown (Barbados): England can finally sing into the sunset, and make if not drink and make merry till the morning breaks. Right from 1975, when multi-nation limited overs tournaments were first introduced, they have always been left with broken hearts and bucketfuls of tears; on a bright, shining afternoon here at the kensington Oval, eventually, they had something more than a pint of beer to smile over: an ICC Trophy.

          It is just ironical that it is the T20 World Cup, a format many still rection doesn't count as cricket. Clearly, the times have changed; for the English Lions, though, it is a new dawn.

           In what was billed an as Ashes final, even before the first Ashes ball has been bowled, England won the toss, shattered Australia's top order, and overhauled the below-par total of 147 for six.

          Two batsmen of South African descent led the charge, in a way English batsmen probably wouldn't or couldn't; maybe, that was the only way to break this jinx. Craig kieswetter (63: 49b, 7x4, 2x6) and Kevin Pietersen (47: 31b, 4x4, 1x6) smashed 117 runs to snatch the team's first moment of ICC glory, with over 18 deliveries left.

          As Paul Collingwood scored the winning run. Pietersen raced into the field, arms held high and screaming; he was followed by the rest of his mates, and it didn't them long topindown their captain. Within no-time, the huddle materialised: the celebrations followed. Australia, on the other hand, still have to wait.

         Earlier, after electing to field on a promising track, England snapped three quick wickets to go right on top. But then entered the other Hussey: David; and,in typical Aussie fashion, he began the repair work. David started with extreme caution  (7 off 19 deliveries), first unravelling the pitch to his satisfaction: then, as the nerves settled down along with the demons, he began the counter-attack. After 10 overs, though, Australia were merely 47 for four, with the top order back in the hut.

           As soon as captain Michael Clark (27) fell, though, just like brother Michael had done in the semifinal two days ago, David took charge. In the 13th over, probably energised by the sight of Cameron White, he smashed spinner Yardy for a six: White promptly responded with a 4, 6, 4. 22 runs. The charge had begun.

           In no time, they were head to head. sprinting for singles and creating those big hits. By the 15th over, Australia were back in the game: 94 for four.]