HYDERABAD: In a thrilling ICC Men’s ODI World Cup warm-up match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Australia emerged victorious, defeating Pakistan by 14 runs. Despite commendable efforts from Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed, Pakistan’s pursuit of the daunting target of 352 ended just short.
Pakistan’s innings began strongly with Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq establishing a solid partnership of 35 runs. However, a clever delivery from Glenn Maxwell dismissed Zaman, marking Pakistan’s first loss. Abdullah Shafique followed but was unable to make a significant impact, falling victim to Sean Abbott’s sharp bowling.
The highlight of Pakistan’s innings was undoubtedly Babar Azam, who showcased elegance and grace in his splendid knock of 90 runs from 59 balls. Azam’s partnership with Iftikhar Ahmed was pivotal, as they together contributed a remarkable 144-run stand for the fifth wicket. Iftikhar’s powerful innings of 83, including six fours and four sixes, bolstered Pakistan’s chase.
Despite Azam’s departure, Mohammad Nawaz stepped up and played a fiery inning, scoring a brisk 50 from 42 balls, adorned with six boundaries and a six. Late fireworks from Usama Mir and Hasan Ali provided additional runs for Pakistan as they approached the target.
Australia’s bowlers, including Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Marnus Labuschagne, and Mitchell Marsh, made concerted efforts to contain Pakistan’s batters. Labuschagne’s three crucial wickets made him the standout performer among the Australian bowlers.
In the end, Pakistan concluded their innings with a total of 337 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Despite their valiant efforts, they fell short of the target set by Australia.
Australia Batting Against Pakistan
Earlier in the match, Australian batters, led by Glenn Maxwell’s remarkable 77 off 71 balls, powered their team to a formidable total of 351 runs. Maxwell’s aggressive batting was complemented by Josh Inglis, who contributed 48 runs off 30 balls at a striking rate of 160.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Australia’s formidable batting lineup caused difficulties for Pakistani bowlers, posting an imposing total of 351 runs in 50 overs on Tuesday. The Aussie innings was spearheaded by an impressive performance from Glenn Maxwell, who played a scintillating knock, scoring 77 runs off 71 deliveries, laced with ten boundaries that found gaps all over the ground. Maxwell’s aggressive play was complemented by Josh Inglis, who accelerated the innings in the final 10 overs, contributing a brisk 48 off 30 balls with a striking 160 run-rate.
Despite a promising start for Australia, Pakistani spinner Usama Mir managed to put the brakes on their momentum by dismissing both openers, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh, in consecutive overs when they were nearing the 100-run mark. Warner scored 48, while Marsh contributed 31 to the team’s total. For Pakistan, Mir claimed two crucial wickets, while Haris Rauf, Wasim Jr., and Shadab Khan chipped in with one wicket each.
However, it was a challenging outing for Haris Rauf, who managed to take a wicket but conceded a whopping 97 runs in his nine overs. Shadab Khan, leading the Pakistani side in the absence of Babar Azam, also contributed with a wicket.
With this victory, Australia gains momentum as they prepare for the World Cup challenges. Pakistan, despite the loss, displayed resilience and determination, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
Both teams will now gear up for their respective opening World Cup fixtures, with Pakistan set to face the Netherlands at the same venue on October 6, while Australia will travel to Chennai to take on India on October 8.
Pakistan Squad
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim
Australia Squad
Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc
