Australia Secures Win in Thrilling Warm-Up Match, Overcoming Pakistan by 14 Runs
In an exhilarating warm-up match before the upcoming World Cup, Australia emerged victorious over Pakistan by 14 runs. The match, although closer than the final score suggests, saw Australia dominate with both bat and ball. Posting an impressive total of 351 runs, Australia controlled most of the game, but a partnership between Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed brought Pakistan back into contention.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Australia got off to a flying start with David Warner smashing a quickfire 48 runs off just 33 balls. However, Pakistan fought back in the middle overs, consistently taking wickets to suppress Australia’s momentum. Usman Mir claimed crucial wickets for Pakistan, while Mohammad Nawaz played his usual role of containing the opposition.
As the match approached its final overs, Pakistan’s bowlers lost momentum and fell victim to a fierce onslaught by Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis. The pair wreaked havoc, with 126 runs being scored off the last 12 overs. Additionally, Cameron Green played a pivotal role in the onslaught, punishing Mohammad Wasim and Haris Rauf, eventually reaching an undefeated half-century off the final delivery. Rauf himself had a forgettable day, leaking 97 runs in his nine overs.
Pakistan began their innings on a promising note but soon found themselves in trouble. Pat Cummins delivered a seaming delivery to dismiss Imam-ul-Haq, followed by Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique falling to poorly executed shots. Marnus Labuschagne, who took three wickets, made an impact early by removing the promoted Shadab Khan. In a bid to stretch the warm-up game, Australia turned to part-time spinners Labuschagne, Maxwell, Steve Smith, and David Warner, allowing Pakistan to stage a comeback.
David Warner, in particular, almost had Iftikhar Ahmed dismissed with a rank full toss, but a dropped catch by Josh Inglis changed the course of the game. Warner conceded 41 runs in his two overs, and Iftikhar and Babar Azam forged a remarkable partnership, adding 144 runs in just under 18 overs. Babar, looking in sublime touch, reached an unbeaten 90 before departing. However, with 87 runs required from 13 overs, Australia regained their focus as Cummins returned to the attack. Cummins quickly dismissed Salman Ali Agha in his first over, and although Pakistan continued to chip away at the target, Australia eventually cleaned up the tail.
With just 21 runs needed in the last three overs and one wicket remaining, Cummins handed the ball to Labuschagne once more. He conceded six runs off his first three balls before Hasan Ali’s slog found Mitchell Marsh at long-off, bringing an end to a chaotic game. Australia secured a hard-fought victory that could have been more comfortable if they had chosen to wrap up the game earlier.
In conclusion, Australia’s victory over Pakistan in this thrilling warm-up match showcased their team effort with both bat and ball. While Australia dominated for most of the game, Pakistan fought back valiantly, making the contest much closer than the final scoreline suggests. This match serves as valuable preparation for both teams ahead of the highly-anticipated World Cup.
