Pakistan come out of Super 12 stage unscathed with a massive 72-run win over minnows Scotland. Pakistan became the only team in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 to win all their five matches to qualify for the semi-final. Finishing first in Group 1, Pakistan will now face Australia in the first semi-final on November 10.
Berrington only positive in run chase
From ball one, Scotland were under pressure in the final. George Munsey struggled to get the strike turning and scored just 17 runs from 31 deliveries. Skipper Coetzer and wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Cross registered single-digit scores. In the 11th over, leg-spinner Shadab Khan took two wickets to get Munsey and Dylan Bulge out. Riche Berrington provided some entertainment with his unbeaten 37-ball 54 including four fours and one six. There were barely any notable contributions around him as Scotland managed to post only 117/6 in 20 overs.
Babar pulls team out of danger
Pakistan did not go all guns blazing against Scotland bowlers as Mohammad Rizwan struggled and got out after scoring just 15 runs from 19 deliveries. After powerplay overs, the scorecard read 35/1. Fakhar Zaman too struggled and scored just eight runs from 13 deliveries before getting out in the 10th over. Mohammad Hafeez played a 19-ball 31 cameo and Azam held on to one end to provide Pakistan a strong base before death overs. He reached his fourth half-century in the 16th over and scored 66 runs off 47 deliveries before losing his wicket in the 18th over.
Malik exploits Coetzer’s questionable decision
Shoaib Malik was at his explosive best in death overs. Coming to bat with just 30 balls to go in the innings, Malik scored the joint-fastest half-century of the season. Malik made Scotland skipper Kyle Coetzer regret his decision to give leg-spinner Chris Greaves the ball in the final over. Malik hit three sixes and one four in the final over to reach his half-century in just 18 deliveries to help Pakistan post a total of 189/4 in the first innings.
