With the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup just days away, we build up to the mega event by looking back at some fantastic batting performances in the tournament over the years. In part two, we look at Andrew Symonds' unbeaten 143 against Pakistan at Johannesburg on February 11, 2013.
Teams
Australia: A Gilchrist, M Hayden, R Ponting, D Martyn, J Maher, A Symonds, I Harvey, B Hogg, B Lee, J Gillespie and G McGrath
Pakistan: Taufeeq Umar, Shahid Afridi, Saleem Elahi, Inzamam-Ul-Haq, Yousuf Youhanna, Younis Khan, Abdul Razzaq, Rashid Latif, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar
Toss: Pakistan won the toss, and chose to field
The setting: Andrew Symonds hadn't done anything sensational when he was selected for the Australian team. In fact, there was plenty of criticism over Symonds' selection for the World Cup. And, had it not been for skipper Ricky Ponting, who specifically pushed for Symonds' inclusion in the team, the latter might not even have been part of the 2003 World Cup squad. But, after being chosen, his first aim was to prove to all detractors that his selection was the right choice for the tournament. And, he did the same rather spectacularly.
Symonds came into bat in the first match against Pakistan under immense pressure. As it is Symonds was playing for his place in the team, and the situation only made matters tougher for Symonds. But, he utilised the situation to great effect. Australia lost their first four wickets with only 86 on the board. Adam Gilchrist was dismissed for 1 by Wasim Akram. Akram also added the scalps of Matthew Hayden for 27 and Damien Martyn for a duck. At the other end, Waqar Younis dismissed Jimmy Maher for 9.
The great knock: The significant phase of the match came when Symonds joined his skipper at the crease. Both, went about rebuilding the innings in a mature manner. However, Shoaib Akhtar dealt a big blow to Australia by sending back Ponting for 53. But, here is where Symonds took over. He has got his eye in by the time Ponting was dismissed, and decided that attacking was the best way for him to succeed. What followed was one of the most scintillating counter-attacks in World Cup history. Symonds ended up smashing a quite a magnificent 143 not out from 125 balls with 18 fours and two sixes. Thanks to Symonds' brilliance, Australia finished with an impressive 310 for 8. Irrespective of the end result, Symonds had answered his critics.
The result: Pakistan had the batting line-up to chase the tough target, but faltered under pressure. Pakistan lost Shahid Afridi early, and while a number of players got starts, none of them could carry on. Wasim Akram and Rashid Latif both got 33 each, but it was far from enough as Pakistan collapsed to 228 all out. Ian Harvey was the surprise hero for Australia with the ball with 4 for 58, and Brad Hogg claimed 3 for 54.
--By A Cricket Analyst
