SHARJAH : Super 12s – Pakistan as expected displayed all round performance to win comprehensively against Scotland by 72 runs. Pakistan makes a clean sweep, winning all 5 matches in the Super 12’s and to stay at the top of the Group 2 points table.
Pakistan has had a phenomenal run in this world cup, beating India in the opening encounter of Group 2 and thereafter New Zealand, Afghanistan, Namibia and Scotland.
Earlier, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam won the toss and to everyone’s surprise chose to bat first. Pakistan was cautious at the start as usually openers Mohammad Rizwan and Azam provided a solid start. Rizwan was picked up by Tahir for 15 runs. Skipper Azam kept calm and built the platform and in the 10th over only reached 60 runs. However with Hafeez joining Babar, the momentum picked up and the Pakistani batsman launched in to the Scotland bowlers. Babar Azam scored 66 runs off 47 balls and Hafeez did a quick fire 31 runs in 19 balls. The 40-year-old Shoaib Malik pressed on the accelerator to score a brilliant 54 runs off 18 balls, equaling the fastest 50 in this tournament and it is the fastest 50 scored by a Pakistan player in T20Is.
Pakistan ended with a massive 190 runs for the loss of 4 in 20 overs after the onslaught by Hafeez and Shoaib Malik.
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam’s knock of 66 runs makes him the highest run-scorer of the tournament so far, with 264 runs from five innings. Today’s half century is also his fourth of the Super 12 stage.
Chris Grieves was the pick of the Scotland bowlers who picked up a haul of 2 wickets for 43 runs.
Chasing the mammoth score, Scotland was only able to make 42 runs for 2 wickets halfway down the innings due to disciplined bowling display by Pakistan. Shadab Khan picked up 2 quick wickets in the 11th over to push Scotland to the corner. Shadab had the best bowling figures today of 2 for 14 runs off 4 overs. Richie Berrington (54 runs*) and Micheal Laesk (14 runs) tried to consolidate the innings however the ask was too much and Scotland scored only 117 runs in 20 overs for the loss of six wickets.
With 5 wins, Pakistan top group two with 10 points and will play their semi final match against Australia on Thursday, November 11 at the Dubai International Stadium. The other semifinal between England and New Zealand will be at Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. The final is scheduled to be held in Dubai on Sunday, November 14.
Shoaib Malik’s swashbuckling innings earned him the player of the match.(RZ)
[Image credit icc-cricket.com]
