Australia emerged victorious by a margin of 62 runs in the World Cup match against Pakistan in Bengaluru, rekindling their prospects of securing the title.
Despite a strong start by Pakistan’s opening pair, Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique, who both scored half-centuries in an unbroken opening partnership, the Green Shirts couldn’t fully capitalize on the opportunity.
In response to Australia’s total of 367-9, Pakistan managed to reach 131-0 by the end of the 20th over, with Shafique and Imam both contributing 62 runs each.
It’s worth noting that Pakistan’s successful 345-run chase against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad, just ten days prior, stands as the highest in World Cup history.
Australia’s openers, David Warner, with 163 runs, and Mitchell Marsh, who celebrated his 32nd birthday with 121 runs, laid a strong foundation with a 259-run partnership for the first wicket during their innings.
Pakistan faced the challenge of chasing a target of 368 runs to defeat Australia. The Australian team’s opening pair set the stage for their dominant position in the match. However, the Aussies subsequently lost their first and second wickets after Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell with consecutive deliveries.
David Warner’s explosive innings of 163 runs came off 124 balls, while Marsh’s century consisted of 121 runs off 108 balls. Their partnership achieved a new record for the highest opening partnership for Australia in a men’s World Cup match.
Despite the strong start by Warner and Marsh, which led Australia to 259 runs in just 34 overs, the team encountered difficulties in maintaining the momentum. The following seven wickets fell rapidly.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking a five-wicket haul while conceding 54 runs in his 10 overs. Haris Rauf, who took three wickets, was the most expensive bowler for Pakistan, giving up 83 runs in his eight overs.
Pakistan had opted to bowl first after winning the toss, but Australia’s opening pair set the stage for a dynamic performance, adding 259 runs to the total in 34 overs.
