SPORTS

Australia defeat Pakistan to move into Twenty20 World Cup final

Brilliant performances with the bat from David Warner, Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade have lifted Australia to victory over Pakistan and into the final of the Twenty20 World Cup against New Zealand.

Set what would be a tournament-high successful run chase of 177 after Pakistan made 4-176, Australia benefited from a scintillating start from Warner before Wade finished things off with three consecutive sixes in the 19th over off fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi.

One ball earlier Wade had been dropped in the outfield by Hasan Ali.

Earlier, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman smashed breezy half-centuries to help Pakistan post 176-4 at the Dubai International Stadium.

Put in to bat, Pakistan got off to a strong start with Rizwan (67) and skipper Babar Azam (39) forging a 71-run partnership for the opening wicket.

Fakhar provided the late charge for the 2009 champions with an unbeaten 55 off 32 balls.

Australia will face New Zealand in the Final on Sunday in Dubai.

Skipper Finch hailed the innings by Wade calling it “outstanding”.

“It was a great game of cricket. The way Matthew Wade held his nerve was outstanding, that partnership with Marcus Stoinis was crucial,” he said.

Losing Pakistan captain Azam said the dropped catch of Wade was the turning point of the match.

Matthew Wade’s flurry of boundaries and sixes towards the end have earned him the man of the match award.

“I’m just happy to contribute. I was out of the team for a while, just happy I got an opportunity again,” he said in his post-match comments.

Brief scores:
Pakistan: 176 for 4 wickets in 20 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 67, Fakhar Zaman 55 not  out; Mitchell Starc 2/38).
Australia: 177 for 5 in 19 overs (David Warner 49, Matthew Wade 41 not out, Marcus Stoinis 40 not out; Shadab Khan 4/26).

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button
Close