DUBAI: Australia needed 22 runs in the last 2 overs and Australia win with an over remaining sending shock waves in Dubai. Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis toyed with the Pakistani bowlers at the latter overs to halt Pakistan’s winning run in this world cup. The outcome today was a repeat of the 2010 T20 WC semifinal where Australia beat Pakistan to move to the finals.
For cricket lovers, it was an exciting match worthy of a semifinal but for all the Pakistani supporters at the Dubai Stadium it was a teary ending.
Australian skipper invited Babar’s men to bat first after winning the toss. Solid opening partnership is what the Pakistan openers are known for and that’s exactly what Babar Azam and Mohamed Rizwan delivered a 71 runs partnership in 10 overs with Babar Azam scoring 39 runs out of it. Adam Zampa picked up the Pakistan Cricketer and Fakhar Zaman joined Rizwan. Rizwan led the charge and together with Zaman put together a partnership to bring Pakistan to a position to launch at the latter stages.
Adam Zampa was the most economical bowler and he bowled the 16th over just giving 5 runs to end with a haul of 1 for 22 runs. At the end of the 16th over Pakistan were 122 for one wicket with Mohamed Rizwan at 56 runs off 47 balls and Zaman with 17 off 16 balls.
Hazlewood bowled the 17th over and came under severe beating from both Rizwan and Zaman to get 21 runs off the over. Rizwan played like a true warrior and scored 67 off 52 balls after being in hospital yesterday for a flu.
Skipper Finch turned to his best pacer Mitchell Starc for a wicket and he delivered with Rizwan’s wicket. However Zaman initiated an onslaught and picked up 15 runs from the over including a six.
With just 2 more overs to go, Pakistan were 158 for 2 wickets looking to pass 175 runs. Pat cummins bowled a brilliant penultimate over to pick up Asif Ali for zero and just giving away 3 runs. Zaman’s catch was dropped by Steve Smith and it went on to be a costly drop. Starc bowled the last over brilliantly picking up Shoaib Malik’s wicket, however Zaman went on to hit 2 powerful sixers to allow Pakistan to go past the 175 mark. Pakistan ended with a competitive score of 176 for 4 wickets with a top-class power hitting by Zaman who scored 55 runs off 32 balls.
Aussies were pushed to the backfoot by Afridi picking up the Aussie skipper plumb in front of the wicket. Marsh and warner consolidated with Marsh taking the charge to the bowling of Imad Wasim. Marsh scored 28 runs off 22 balls but was out to a ball by Shadab Khan in the 6th over when Aussie total was 52 runs. Warner was settled and looked good for a high score. Imad Wasim , Haris Rauf and Hafeez were all targeted by Warner for runs. Shadab picked up Steve Smith for 5 runs to have Australia in a spot of bother at 77 for 3 wickets in the 8th over. Warner paced his innings well to ensure that they were ahead of the required run rate and looked set for a launch but Shadab was on a role and picked up warner for 49 runs off 30 balls.
Needing 88 runs off 60 balls Australia were in control with maxwell at the wicket and Babar Azam trying to stop the run flow. It was Shadab again who obliged to Babar’s call picking up maxwell for just 7 runs in his last over to pick up a haul of 4 for 26 runs.
Stoinis kept the run rate at bay and Australia needed 62 runs in the last 5 overs with 5 wickets in hand. Stoinis was going strong with 33 runs off 24 balls able supported by Matthew Wade picking up boundaries at regular intervals to ensure the run rate was within the range. Pakistan were desperate for a wicket but it was not to be.
With 22 runs required in 2 overs, Shaheen Afridi bowled the penultimate over hoping for a miracle but Wade stood tall and punched Pakistan away to guide Australia to a stunning 5 wicket win and to Australia’s second T20 World Cup Final. Australia were Runners up in 2010 losing to England. Marcus Stoinis scored 40 runs off 31 balls.
Matthew Wade was named the player of the match for his unbeaten 41 runs off 17 balls. Australia will meet New Zealand in the Final scheduled on Sunday, November 14th at Dubai. (RZ)
[Image credit icc-cricket.com]
