In the 18th game of the ODI World Cup 2023, five-time champions Australia beat 1996 champion Pakistan by 62 runs. In a high-scoring encounter at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Australian batters toyed with the Pakistani bowling unit and posted a massive total of 367/9 in 50 overs. In response, Pakistan failed to hold on to a good start and lost the game.
Earlier in the game, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam won the toss and opted to bowl first. His decision didn’t go well with the team as Aussie opener David Warner and Mitchell Marsh added 259 runs for the first wicket. Marsh, in his inning, scored 121 runs off 108 deliveries with the help of ten fours and nine sixes. Meanwhile, Warner, in his inning, scored 163 runs off 124 balls with the help of fourteen fours and nine sixes.
In the end, Pakistan made a great comeback as pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf clinched eight wickets in the death overs. Afridi took five wickets, while Rauf took eight wickets. It’s worth noting that earlier in the inning, Rauf conceded 59 runs off just 21 deliveries and was the most bashed bowler of the game. However, he made a comeback and gave up just 24 runs in the next 27 balls. Their combined bowling performance helped Pakistan restrict Australia to 367/9 in 50 overs.
Pakistan failed to hold nerves in the middle overs
Chasing a massive total Pakistan opener Imam-Ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique sparked a century-long partnership. Shafique and Imam added 134 runs for the first wicket and scored half-centuries. Shafique, in his inning, scored 64 runs off 61 balls with the help of seven fours and two sixes. Meanwhile, Imam, in his innings, scored 70 runs off 71 balls with the help of ten boundaries. However, after their departure, Pakistan never looked into the game because of the high required run rate.
Apart from wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, not a single batter looked comfortable against the Australian bowling unit. The lack of support was reflected in the run chase, and Pakistan fell 62 runs short of the target. Australia spinner Adam Zampa took four wickets, while Pat Cummins and Marcus Stoinis got two wickets each. With this victory, Australia is finally back in the top four with four points in as many games.
Here is how fans reacted to Australia’s victory:
Gh@nte Ka King ? pic.twitter.com/zuHYfgAWE7
— TEJASH ? (@LoyleRohitFan) October 20, 2023
— Amit Shah (Parody) (@Motabhai012) October 20, 2023
— Shivani (@shivani_45D) October 20, 2023
— Shivani (@shivani_45D) October 20, 2023
Pakistan was celebrating Shaheen after getting tailenders out!
Pakis were comparing Babar with Virat all these days and considering them as their chasemaster!
Pakis wanted Usama to resolve their spinning issues!
Wait wait wait!
FINAL RESULT IS SAME! PAK HAVE CRASHED OUT OF…
— Vocal Canadian Desi (@VocalCanadaDesi) October 20, 2023
— Naks..! (@oyenakss) October 20, 2023
The Pakistan team should be proud of the fact, that they are able to go past 300…that too against mighty OZs…#AUSvsPAK #PAKvAUS #CWC23
— RAJESH-SWD (@iamrajeshjena) October 20, 2023
Lets laugh at Pakistan ????? pic.twitter.com/TNnoXnIo9b
— Avinash P (@avinashparmar97) October 20, 2023
— Useer45 (@140of113) October 20, 2023
