PremiumAUS vs PAK: Batting collapse costs Pakistan as Australia win by 62 runs in Bengaluru
Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi had earlier led a late fightback, securing a five-wicket haul, while Haris Rauf captured three wickets.
Last Updated: 10.30 PM, Oct 20, 2023
Pakistan's chase began strongly with an impressive opening partnership from Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq, which amassed 134 runs in their chase of 368 runs set by Australia in Match 18 of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023.
Unfortunately for Pakistan, their momentum waned, leading to a batting collapse, and they eventually lost the match by 62 runs in 45.3 overs.
Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq both notched half-centuries during their opening stand. Nevertheless, Marcus Stoinis made an immediate impact by dismissing Shafique with his first ball, and Imam-ul-Haq was later also sent back.
Adam Zampa accounted for the dismissals of Babar Azam (18) and Mohammad Rizwan (46). Although Saud Shakeel (30), Iftikhar Ahmed (26), and Mohammad Nawaz (14) made valiant efforts to accumulate runs, Pat Cummins and Zampa prevented them from settling. Usama Mir was dismissed for a duck by Josh Hazlewood, while Shaheen Afridi (10) fell to Cummins, and Mitchell Starc sent Hasan Ali back for 8.
The pick of the bowlers for the Aussies was Adam Zampa, who claimed four wickets, with Pat Cummins and Marcus Stoinis taking two wickets each, while Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc contributed with one wicket each.
During Australia's innings, opener David Warner blazed a remarkable 163 runs off 124 balls, featuring 14 fours and nine sixes. His opening partner, Mitchell Marsh, contributed a powerful 121 off 108 deliveries, including 10 fours and nine sixes helping post the formidable total of 367/9 in Bengaluru.
After this formidable partnership, Australia's middle order experienced a collapse, with Glenn Maxwell departing for a duck. Subsequent wickets included Steven Smith (7), Marcus Stoinis (21), Josh Inglis (13), Marnus Labuschagne (8), Pat Cummins (6*), Mitchell Starc (2), and Josh Hazlewood (0).
Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi led a late fightback, securing a five-wicket haul, while Haris Rauf captured three wickets.