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Pakistan's lacklustre show in the ongoing ODI World Cup continues as Babar Azam's men suffered a 62-run defeat at the hands of Australia at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 20, Friday.
David Warner and Mitchell Marsh's robust centurion knocks powered Australia to a huge total of 367/9 despite Shaheen Afridi's fifer. In reply, after impressive fifties from Abdullah Shafique and Imam ul Haq, Pakistan ran out of steam in the mammoth run chase and were reduced to 305 to hand Australia their second consecutive victory. With this win Australia surged to no.4 in the points table with four points in four matches and NRR of -0.195. Notable Pakistan, who were flattened by India in their previous match, too have four points in as many matches but are placed at fifth spot due to inferior net run rate of -0.456.
Australia made a resounding comeback after losing their first two matches against India and South Africa. Australia, who were at one stage sitting bottom of the points table, then notched up victories against Sri Lanka and Pakistan to change their fortunes in the ongoing ODI World Cup.
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Pakistan's Challenging Chase
Pakistan's opening duo, Abdullah Shafique and Imam ul-Haq, set a robust foundation to set the tone for the big chase. Their partnership contributed 134 runs, maintaining a brisk scoring rate to sustain Pakistan's momentum. Post the 16th over, the Decision Review System (DRS) experienced a disruption due to an electrical failure. This necessitated a system reboot, prompting on-field umpires, Chris Brown and Richard Illingworth, to consult with both team captains. They outlined the situation and relayed that the match would revert to traditional review mechanisms.
Abdullah, Imam notch fifties
After play resumed, both openers achieved their respective half-centuries. However, their partnership was cut short by Marcus Stoinis, who managed to dismiss both Shafique and Imam in a short span. Shafique's inning culminated at 64 runs from 61 balls, which included seven boundaries and a pair of sixes. Imam, on the other hand, concluded his stint with 71 runs from 70 balls, being dismissed in the 24th over.
Babar's flop show continues
Pakistan's captain Babar Azam, continued his lacklustre show in the World Cup, succumbing to Adam Zampa after scoring a mere 18 runs from 14 balls. After Babar's exit, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan established a partnership, contributing a 57-run stand. However, Shakeel's promising start was halted by Stoinis, as he was dismissed after scoring 30 from 31 deliveries.
Australia run through Pakistan's tail
Iftikhar Ahmed, displaying aggressive intent with three hefty sixes, was eventually ousted by Zampa during a pivotal juncture. Zampa's impactful spell continued as he claimed the vital wicket of Rizwan through an LBW decision in the 41st over.
Australia then swiftly dismantled Pakistan's lower order, bundling them out for 305 runs in 45.3 overs, ultimately sealing their victory by a margin of 62 runs.
Austrlia's run fest
Earlier, Australia's openers, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh, delivered explosive centuries against Pakistan, setting a formidable total of 367. Their partnership became the highlight at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, despite Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi's commendable five-wicket haul.
Warner, Marsh's daddy hundreds
David Warner, notching up his 21st ODI century, unleashed a staggering 163 runs off 124 balls, while Mitchell Marsh contributed a 108-ball 121. Together, the duo forged an intimidating partnership of 259 runs in a mere 203 balls, etching their names in World Cup history. This became only the fourth occasion where both opening batsmen recorded centuries in a World Cup match.
After a mixed start to the tournament with two defeats and a solitary victory, Australia were eager to make a statement. Their batsmen responded emphatically, capitalizing on Pakistan's inconsistent bowling on the amicable Bengaluru pitch. Coupled with a rapid outfield, the Aussies had all the elements in their favor.
Pakistan's bowlers often faltered in their line and length, gifting scoring opportunities to the Australian batters. An early chance to halt Warner's dominance came when he was at a score of just 10. Usama Mir, replacing Shadab Khan for the match, missed a straightforward chance off Shaheen Shah Afridi's delivery. This lapse in fielding would prove costly as Warner accelerated, with Marsh providing ample support.
Haris Rauf, introduced in the ninth over by Pakistan's skipper Babar Azam in search of a wicket, faced the wrath of the Australian batsmen. His over leaked 24 runs, including a flurry of boundaries from both Warner and Marsh.
Pakistan's spin options, Mir and Mohammad Nawaz, couldn't impose any threats. Their predictable deliveries were effortlessly dispatched by the Aussies. Reaching milestones at a brisk pace, Australia achieved 100 runs in the 13th over, 200 in the 30th, and 300 by the 41st.
Warner's century, marking his fourth consecutive ton against Pakistan, was met with jubilation from the spectators. Marsh wasn't far behind, achieving his century and roaring in celebration.
Marsh's inning came to an end with a catch by Mir off Afridi's delivery, serving as a rare moment of solace for Pakistan's fielding unit after dropping multiple catches. This partnership from Warner and Marsh became the second-best opening stand in World Cup history, closely following the 282-run record set by Sri Lanka's Dilshan and Tharanga in 2011. By the time of Warner's departure, Australia had already soared to a commanding position, setting the stage for an intriguing chase for Pakistan.
Pakistan will next face Afghanistan on October 23 while Australia will lock horns with Netherlands on October 25.
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