The Australia versus Pakistan game was expected to be a nail-biter despite its status as a warm-up encounter ahead of the World Cup. But Pat Cummins had other ideas as he looked to try his part-timers after getting rid of Pakistan's top order without breaking a sweat. In a high-scoring yet somewhat boring encounter that featured moments of pathetic fielding from both sides, Australia won the match by 14 runs after posting 351/7 on the board.
Openers David Warner and Mitchell Marsh shared an 83-run partnership. Warner scored quickly whereas Marsh was cautious against the new ball bowlers. Mir broke the partnership in the 13th over with the wicket of Warner who scored 48 runs from 33 balls. Marsh departed for a 48-ball 31. Steve Smith got off to a good start but became Haris Rauf's only victim of the day by playing down the wrong line. Smith scored 27 runs from 29 balls. Alex Carey got run out whereas Marnus Labuschagne departed for a 31-ball 40.
Glenn Maxwell returned to form with a 71-ball 77 that featured six sixes and five fours. He took on the spinners in the middle overs and laid the platform for a big total. In the slog overs, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis took on the likes of Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr. Green remained unbeaten for a 40-ball 40 whereas Inglis contributed with a 30-ball 48. Rauf conceded 97 runs from his nine overs as Australia posted 351/7 on the board.
In the run chase, Imam-ul-Haq departed early as he edged one off Cummins' third over. Maxwell was introduced early and he provided with the wicket of Zaman. Abdullah Shafique batted at no.3 but did not look the part. He got out to Sean Abbott. Stand-in captain Shadab Khan hit Labuschagne for a six but departed right after that. After Pakistan lost four wickets, Babar had to walk out to bat and join Iftikhar Ahmed in the middle.
They did not get a challenge from Australia. Instead, Cummins introduced part-time spinners Labuschagne, Smith, and Warner into the attack. Iftikhar accelerated and Babar reached his half-century from just 36 balls. Labuschagne broke the partnership with Iftikhar's wicket. He got out trying to clear the ropes. He scored 83 runs from 85 balls including six fours and four sixes. Babar was on song but he decided to retire after the 36th over. His 59-ball 90 featured 11 fours and two sixes.
After Babar's dismissal, Mohammad Nawaz's 42-ball 50 kept the run chase alive but wickets kept falling at the other end. Marsh picked up two wickets, and Cummins returned to dismiss Agha Salman. In the end, it was Labuschagne who took the last wicket as Pakistan got bowled out for 337 with 14 balls left in the innings.
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