Australia defeated Pakistan by 62 runs in an exciting ICC World Cup 2023 group encounter, marking their second successive win in the tournament in Bengaluru. This victory brought Australia to fourth place in the standings, where it is equal with Pakistan in terms of points but has a higher net run rate.
🏏 Match Summary 🏏
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 20, 2023
Pakistan fall short by 62 runs in Bengaluru.
We take on Afghanistan next on Monday.#AUSvPAK | #DattKePakistani pic.twitter.com/v4Cnre6y1E
Australia’s campaign for the ICC World Cup 2023 gained pace after they beat Pakistan in a high-scoring match.
The match included outstanding hundreds by Australia’s openers, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh, results their team to a 62-run triumph.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, hoping to create an early inroad into Australia’s batting lineup. Their hopes ruined however, when David Warner (163) and Mitchell Marsh (121) launched an aggressive attack, forming a powerful 259-run combination. Australia gave huge target of 368.
“We targeted the next set of guys once we got the pace of the wicket in five-six overs,” said David Warner, who was voted Player of the Match. He underlined the need of taking chances, especially on a flat field with short boundaries.
Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi emerged as the standout bowler, finishing with 5-54 as he wiped out the Australian tail.
With a 134-run opening partnership, Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique (64) and Imam-ul-Haq (70) created a solid foundation.
Despite a few chances, Pakistan’s middle-order batsmen proved unable to capitalize on their starts, resulting in a difficult run chase. Babar Azam dismissed on just 18. Rizwan, Iftikhar, Saud Shakeel scored 46, 26, 30 respectively.
In the end, Pakistan’s necessary run rate became expensive, resulting in aggressive strokes and wickets dropping on a regular basis. Adam Zampa was instrumental in Australia’s triumph, grabbing four wickets and limiting Pakistan to 305 runs.
The result puts Australia in a strong position for the ICC World Cup 2023, while Pakistan will need to regroup.
