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Australia vs Pakistan, ICC CWC, 2023 Full score card

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Match 18, M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 20 Oct, 2023

Australia

AUS

367/9

(50.0) ov

Pakistan

PAK

305/10

(45.3) ov

Australia beat Pakistan by 62 runs

Player Of The Match

David Warner,
Australia
Australia
Summary
Scorecard
Commentary
News
Pakistan
Australia

Pakistan • 305/10 (45.3 overs)

Imam 70 (71)

A Shafique 64 (61)

A Zampa 4/53 (10)

M Stoinis 2/40 (5)

Australia • 367/9 (50.0 overs)

D Warner 163 (124)

M Marsh 121 (108)

S Afridi 5/54 (10)

H Rauf 3/83 (8)

Commentary

That is it from this game. Valuable two points for Australia. We have two games lined up for Saturday, 21st of this month. Netherlands will take on Sri Lanka while England will face South Africa later on. Join us at 10.30 am IST (5 am GMT) and early on for the build up. Cheers.

Pat Cummins says it was a great win. Adds the opening stand set the tone and it was the type of cricket they wanted to play. Shares it is tough to bowl at this ground but the bowlers need to stick to get wickets. Mentions Zampa showed his class. Tells the benchmark is set from the last two games and are looking forward to the next game.

Babar Azam says they were not up to the mark in the field and with the ball as well. Adds the margin of error is very small. Reckons he is happy the way they bowled in the last 15 overs. Reckons they need few partnerships in the middle over. They had a few today but were small ones. Hopes to get things done in the next match.

David Warner is the Player of the Match. He says the groin is a little bit sore but feels fine. Adds it was pleasing to put on a stand with Marsh, once they got the pace of the wicket, they targeted their bowlers. Reckons he backed his skills. Believes he was one bit of luck away from scoring runs. Tells he talked with Marsh to bat deep and then go big in the backend. Feels there is still a lot to work in their team. States it is in his DNA to run hard between the wickets.

...Presentation next...

Australia didn't bowl well at the start. Just like Pakistan, they were sloppy and dropped catches but a quick turnaround saw the game tilt towards the Aussie team as Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa turned things with quick wickets. Adam Zampa though was the pick of the lot with four wickets. While batting, it was a carnage from Mitchell Marsh and David Warner. Both put on a stand of 259 and put Pakistan completely off. That opening stand tired the Pakistani team who didn't recover quickly after the beating. Pakistan will be disappointed with not just their bowling but fielding as well.

Both the innings were quite similar in this game. The openers laid the foundation for both of them. Pakistan though were under pressure as they had to chase a humongous target. The openers did the job by giving a blistering start. Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq fell in quick succession after scoring respective fifties. However, Pakistan failed to hold the momentum as the other batters got off to a start but didn't stay out for a long period of time. Mohammad Rizwan looked solid along with Iftikhar Ahmed but once both fell, Pakistan fell apart and it was all over.

Job done by the Aussies. It was not an easy victory as Pakistan were in it for a long period of time but Australia bowled well in the middle and death phase to get the job done. Two wins for Australia after their sloppy start to the campaign.

45.3W

OUT! GONE! The skipper finishes the job. This is short and outside off. Afridi again pulls but flat and to deep mid-wicket where Marnus Labuschagne takes it in the deep. Australia win by 62 runs.

45.24

FOUR! SMASHED AWAY! Shorter and on middle, Afridi hangs back and pulls it over to mid-wicket for a boundary.

45.10

Length ball, outside off. Afridi cuts and misses.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 301/9

H Rauf0 (1)

S Afridi6 (5)

M Starc8-0-65-1

44.60

On a length and on middle, Rauf nudges it to mid-wicket.

Haris Rauf is the last man in.

44.5W

OUT! GONE! Something to cheer for Starc! Bowls it short and on middle, Ali gets across to pull but gets a faint edge to the keeper who makes no mistake.

44.44

FOUR! A full toss on off. Ali swings and edges it away to third man for a boundary.

44.30

Short in length and outside off, Ali leaves it alone again.

44.21

A bumper on middle, Afridi pulls it to square leg for a single.

44.14

FOUR! It has been that kind of night for Starc. Tries the yorker but bowls a full toss, outside off, Afridi smokes it through covers.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 292/8

H Ali4 (5)

S Afridi1 (3)

J Hazlewood10-1-37-1

43.60

A bumper to end the over, on leg. Ali sits again and lets it go.

43.50

This is short and outside off. Ali swings and misses it.

43.40

A length ball, outside off. Ali gets across to paddle it but misses.

43.34

FOUR! A length ball on middle, Ali swings and connects well, hits it past mid on for a boundary.

43.20

A bumper on middle, Ali sits under it.

43.11

Length and on off, this is tapped to point for a single.

Hasan Ali walks out now to bat.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 287/8

M Nawaz14 (16)

S Afridi0 (2)

A Zampa10-0-53-4

42.6W

OUT! STUMPED! Adam Zampa loved that one. He gets his fourth and final wicket of the day. Flat and outside off, slower one and was the googly.  Mohammad Nawaz comes down the track to defend but gets beaten and Josh Inglis gets the job done behind.

42.50

A googly, outside off. Nawaz has a poke at it but misses.

42.46

SIX! HIT HARD! Too full and on middle, Nawaz stands tall and hammers it over long on for a biggie.

42.31b

How has that missed the stumps? Flighted on middle, full and Afridi looks to slog but misses. it bounces over the middle pole.

42.21

Too full and on middle, Nawaz works it to long on for a single.

Commentary

We are back. A mammoth task awaits for Pakistan and a lot rests on their top order. The players are out in the middle. Shaheen Afridi ended with five wickets, can the other left-armer, Starc replicate something similar....

... THE CHASE..

Pakistan on the other hand, will be very pleased with how they have come back into the game! They were battered at the start. Their pacers went the journey, they were dropping catches and their body language was quite poor. The spinners though, the likes of Mohammad Nawaz and Iftikhar Ahmed bowled quite tightly in the middle overs. Usama Mir was also decent but it was the death bowling which was brilliant. The likes of Shaheen Afridi, who was the pick and Rauf were excellent. Shaheen Afridi ended with a fifer and Rauf who went for around 60 in his first four, ended with three. Pakistan though still have a big target ahead of them and the wicket does not seem that easy. It oculd get better under lights but they will have to bat really well. Australia on the other hand, will believe they can defend this. An interesting second half awaits.

That is a serious comeback by Pakistan and they have momentum on their side heading into the break! At one stage, Australia looked all set for 400. Their openers got them off to an absolute flier. The two added over 200 and when they were batting, it was all carnage. Both scored tons. Marsh fell but Warner continued. However, after Marsh he kept losing partners at the other end. Warner though got his 150 up but once he fell, runs were not easy to come by. Australia only managed to score around 65 in the last 10 and they will be pretty disappointed with that.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 50 overs : 367/9

P Cummins6 (8)

A Zampa1 (1)

S Afridi10-1-54-5

49.62

NOT OUT! Pat Cummins is in! That was quite slow from the fielder though! Fuller and on middle, this is heaved towards deep mid-wicket. They take one. The fielder is quite slow in getting to the ball. They go for the second. The throw is also a poor one to the keeper who whips the bails off. It is referred but replays show that the batter is in. AUSTRALIA END WITH 367!

49.50

How has that missed the leg pole? Pat Cummins was completely done in by the lack of pace there. A slower one. Cummins goes for the swing but then tries to defend. He misses and it goes just past the leg pole.

49.40

Yet another dot! Full and angled into the pads, Pat Cummins swings but misses to get hit on the pads.

49.31

Only one! A full toss outside off, Adam Zampa guides it past point. There could have been an easy two as the fielder fumbles but Pat Cummins wants strike and only takes one.

49.31wd

WIDE! Hat-trick is still on! Down the leg side. Wided.

49.2W

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Five for Shaheen Afridi and he is on a hat-trick yet again. Outstanding., This is his best bowling performance in this World Cup so far. He bowls it on a length and outside off, Josh Hazlewood looks to drive but this goes off the outside edge and it is taken by the keeper. Can he get a hat-trick this time?

49.1W

OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Shaheen Afridi has 4! A slower one, full and on off, this is lofted down towards long off. Saud Shakeel takes it. That was right off the toe-end. Can Shaheen Afridi take five?

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 49 overs : 363/7

M Starc2 (2)

P Cummins4 (5)

H Rauf8-0-83-3

48.61

On off, this is pushed down to long off for only one. Dealing in singles at the moment.

48.51

Well fielded again! Fuller and on middle, Pat Cummins swings, it goes off the inner half towards short fine where the fielder dives to his left and stops it.

48.41

On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.

48.3W

OUT! TAKEN! Marnus Labuschagne will feel slightly unlucky! He had nailed that! Absolutely nailed it but straight to the fielder. A short one and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne goes back and samshes the short one towards deep mid-wicket. Shadab Khan takes a fine, sharp catch. It came to him quickly. Australia losing their way here. Also, Haris has his third. Whenever, he takes three, Pakistan's chances of winning are very high.

48.21

Another slower one, this is hit towards mid-wicket for one.

48.11b

BYE! A slower one outside off, Marnus Labuschagne is early in the swing, it goes on the bounce to Rizwan who fails to stop it cleanly. It hits his pad and rolls towards short third man who does well. He dives and saves at least two.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 48 overs : 358/6

P Cummins2 (3)

M Labuschagne8 (10)

S Afridi9-1-50-3

47.62

Two this time! Shaheen Afridi goes fuller, this is hit wide of mid-wicket for two.

47.51lb

Just the leg bye again! On the pads, Marnus Labuschagne looks to flick but misses, it hits the pad and rolls on the off side. A leg bye taken.

47.40

Another dot! A slower one outside off, Marnus Labuschagne swings but misses again.

47.31lb

Just another leg bye! Angled into the pads, Pat Cummins looks to defend but misses, it hits the pad and rolls on the off side for one. Leg bye taken.

47.20

A dot now! Absolute godl! Goes very full and on off, this is driven but to covers.

47.1W

A loud appeal and up goes the finger! Stoinis reviews but that seems out. It is more in hope as this is the last recognized pair. OUT! THREE REDS! Marcus Stoinis has to walk back! This is brilliant from Pakistan who are coming back into the game quite strongly! A slower one on middle, Marcus Stoinis looks to move across and play the paddle scoop. He misses to get hit on the pads. Stoinis did not adapt to the pace of the wicket. It was more or less a struggle for him and he now has to walk back. Shaheen Afridi has his third.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 47 overs : 354/5

M Stoinis21 (23)

M Labuschagne8 (8)

H Rauf7-0-79-2

46.61

Yes, he does! Just the single! Stoinis though will be disappointed he did not put that away! Rauf misses the yorker and bowls a full toss, a fast one. This is thumped down the ground towards the long off. Only one.

46.50

Another excellent slower one. Shorter and outside off, Marcus Stoinis looks to heave it but no connection. Can Rauf end the over well?

46.40

That is an outstanding slower one. Brilliant. Stoinis was a week early in the shot. Outside off, Marcus Stoinis swings but misses.

46.41wd

WIDE! A slower one but wide outside off, Stoinis slashes but misses. Harsh call. Rauf and Rizwan are not happy.

46.31

A yorker now on middle, Marnus Labuschagne works it towards mid-wicket and takes one.

46.24

FOUR! Smashed! 350 up and still 22 balls to go! Length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne clears his front leg and slams it over mid off. That was bowled at over 150 KPH but still Marnus Labuschagne manages to flat-bat it.

46.10

That is sharp! Really sharp! Shorter and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne looks to pull but is beaten for pace.

Pakistan
Australia
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
A Shafique

c G Maxwell b M Stoinis

64 61 7 2 104.91
Imam

c M Starc b M Stoinis

70 71 10 0 98.59
B Azam

c P Cummins b A Zampa

18 14 3 0 128.57
M Rizwan

lbw b A Zampa

46 40 5 0 115
S Shakeel

c M Stoinis b P Cummins

30 31 5 0 96.77
I Ahmed

lbw b A Zampa

26 20 0 3 130
M Nawaz

st J Inglis b A Zampa

14 16 0 1 87.50
U Mir

c M Starc b J Hazlewood

0 3 0 0 0
S Afridi

c M Labuschagne b P Cummins

10 8 2 0 125
H Ali

c J Inglis b M Starc

8 8 2 0 100
H Rauf

not out

0 1 0 0 0
Extras

(b 1,lb 7,w 11,nb 0,Penalty 0)

19
Total 45.3 (RR: 6.70)
305/10

Did not bat:

Fall of wickets:

(A Shafique, 21.1 ov) (Imam, 23.4 ov) (B Azam, 26.2 ov) (S Shakeel, 34.2 ov) (I Ahmed, 38.5 ov) (M Rizwan, 40.5 ov) (U Mir, 41.5 ov) (M Nawaz, 43 ov) (H Ali, 44.5 ov) (S Afridi, 45.3 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
M Starc
8 0 65 1 8.12
J Hazlewood
10 1 37 1 3.70
P Cummins
7.3 0 62 2 8.26
A Zampa
10 0 53 4 5.30
G Maxwell
5 0 40 0 8.00
M Stoinis
5 0 40 2 8.00
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
D Warner

c sub S Khan b H Rauf

163 124 14 9 131.45
M Marsh

c U Mir b S Afridi

121 108 10 9 112.03
G Maxwell

c B Azam b S Afridi

0 1 0 0 0
S Smith

c & b U Mir

7 9 0 0 77.77
M Stoinis

lbw b S Afridi

21 24 1 1 87.50
J Inglis

c M Rizwan b H Rauf

13 9 3 0 144.44
M Labuschagne

c sub S Khan b H Rauf

8 12 1 0 66.66
P Cummins

not out

6 8 0 0 75
M Starc

c S Shakeel b S Afridi

2 3 0 0 66.66
J Hazlewood

c M Rizwan b S Afridi

0 1 0 0 0
A Zampa

not out

1 1 0 0 100
Extras

(b 1,lb 10,w 14,nb 0,Penalty 0)

25
Total 50.0 (RR: 7.34)
367/9

Did not bat:

Fall of wickets:

(M Marsh, 33.5 ov) (G Maxwell, 34 ov) (S Smith, 38.1 ov) (D Warner, 42.2 ov) (J Inglis, 44.2 ov) (M Stoinis, 47.1 ov) (M Labuschagne, 48.3 ov) (M Starc, 49.1 ov) (J Hazlewood, 49.2 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
S Afridi
10 1 54 5 5.40
H Ali
8 0 57 0 7.12
I Ahmed
8 0 37 0 4.62
H Rauf
8 0 83 3 10.37
U Mir
9 0 82 1 9.11
M Nawaz
7 0 43 0 6.14
Pakistan
Australia

Commentary

That is it from this game. Valuable two points for Australia. We have two games lined up for Saturday, 21st of this month. Netherlands will take on Sri Lanka while England will face South Africa later on. Join us at 10.30 am IST (5 am GMT) and early on for the build up. Cheers.

Pat Cummins says it was a great win. Adds the opening stand set the tone and it was the type of cricket they wanted to play. Shares it is tough to bowl at this ground but the bowlers need to stick to get wickets. Mentions Zampa showed his class. Tells the benchmark is set from the last two games and are looking forward to the next game.

Babar Azam says they were not up to the mark in the field and with the ball as well. Adds the margin of error is very small. Reckons he is happy the way they bowled in the last 15 overs. Reckons they need few partnerships in the middle over. They had a few today but were small ones. Hopes to get things done in the next match.

David Warner is the Player of the Match. He says the groin is a little bit sore but feels fine. Adds it was pleasing to put on a stand with Marsh, once they got the pace of the wicket, they targeted their bowlers. Reckons he backed his skills. Believes he was one bit of luck away from scoring runs. Tells he talked with Marsh to bat deep and then go big in the backend. Feels there is still a lot to work in their team. States it is in his DNA to run hard between the wickets.

...Presentation next...

Australia didn't bowl well at the start. Just like Pakistan, they were sloppy and dropped catches but a quick turnaround saw the game tilt towards the Aussie team as Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa turned things with quick wickets. Adam Zampa though was the pick of the lot with four wickets. While batting, it was a carnage from Mitchell Marsh and David Warner. Both put on a stand of 259 and put Pakistan completely off. That opening stand tired the Pakistani team who didn't recover quickly after the beating. Pakistan will be disappointed with not just their bowling but fielding as well.

Both the innings were quite similar in this game. The openers laid the foundation for both of them. Pakistan though were under pressure as they had to chase a humongous target. The openers did the job by giving a blistering start. Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq fell in quick succession after scoring respective fifties. However, Pakistan failed to hold the momentum as the other batters got off to a start but didn't stay out for a long period of time. Mohammad Rizwan looked solid along with Iftikhar Ahmed but once both fell, Pakistan fell apart and it was all over.

Job done by the Aussies. It was not an easy victory as Pakistan were in it for a long period of time but Australia bowled well in the middle and death phase to get the job done. Two wins for Australia after their sloppy start to the campaign.

45.3W

OUT! GONE! The skipper finishes the job. This is short and outside off. Afridi again pulls but flat and to deep mid-wicket where Marnus Labuschagne takes it in the deep. Australia win by 62 runs.

45.24

FOUR! SMASHED AWAY! Shorter and on middle, Afridi hangs back and pulls it over to mid-wicket for a boundary.

45.10

Length ball, outside off. Afridi cuts and misses.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 301/9

H Rauf0 (1)

S Afridi6 (5)

M Starc8-0-65-1

44.60

On a length and on middle, Rauf nudges it to mid-wicket.

Haris Rauf is the last man in.

44.5W

OUT! GONE! Something to cheer for Starc! Bowls it short and on middle, Ali gets across to pull but gets a faint edge to the keeper who makes no mistake.

44.44

FOUR! A full toss on off. Ali swings and edges it away to third man for a boundary.

44.30

Short in length and outside off, Ali leaves it alone again.

44.21

A bumper on middle, Afridi pulls it to square leg for a single.

44.14

FOUR! It has been that kind of night for Starc. Tries the yorker but bowls a full toss, outside off, Afridi smokes it through covers.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 292/8

H Ali4 (5)

S Afridi1 (3)

J Hazlewood10-1-37-1

43.60

A bumper to end the over, on leg. Ali sits again and lets it go.

43.50

This is short and outside off. Ali swings and misses it.

43.40

A length ball, outside off. Ali gets across to paddle it but misses.

43.34

FOUR! A length ball on middle, Ali swings and connects well, hits it past mid on for a boundary.

43.20

A bumper on middle, Ali sits under it.

43.11

Length and on off, this is tapped to point for a single.

Hasan Ali walks out now to bat.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 287/8

M Nawaz14 (16)

S Afridi0 (2)

A Zampa10-0-53-4

42.6W

OUT! STUMPED! Adam Zampa loved that one. He gets his fourth and final wicket of the day. Flat and outside off, slower one and was the googly.  Mohammad Nawaz comes down the track to defend but gets beaten and Josh Inglis gets the job done behind.

42.50

A googly, outside off. Nawaz has a poke at it but misses.

42.46

SIX! HIT HARD! Too full and on middle, Nawaz stands tall and hammers it over long on for a biggie.

42.31b

How has that missed the stumps? Flighted on middle, full and Afridi looks to slog but misses. it bounces over the middle pole.

42.21

Too full and on middle, Nawaz works it to long on for a single.

42.12

Fuller and outside off, Nawaz sweeps it to the left of long on for a couple.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 42 overs : 277/7

S Afridi0 (1)

M Nawaz5 (11)

J Hazlewood9-1-32-1

41.60

A length ball on middle, Afridi blocks it out.

41.5W

OUT! GONE! Josh Hazlewood gets a wicket for his consistency. Short ball, targeting the body. Mir tries to fend it away but gets a top edge to fine leg where Starc takes it.

41.40

Drops it short and on off. Mir looks to pull but misses.

41.31

Safe again. Short in length and on off. Nawaz pulls again but mistimes this time over mid on for a single.

41.22

In the air but falls safely. Shorter and on middle, Nawaz pulls but gets a thick top edge which flies over mid-wicket and away from the man running from the deep.

41.10

Length and on off, Nawaz keeps it out.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 41 overs : 274/6

U Mir0 (1)

M Nawaz2 (8)

A Zampa9-0-44-3

40.60

Fuller and on middle, Mir flicks it to mid-wicket.

40.5W

OUT! LBW! Adam Zampa has changed the game completely. Mohammad Rizwan has taken a review but he is surely gone. This is flat and on middle and leg, stays low. Rizwan plays all over it, he shuffles across to pull but misses and gets hit on the body. No bat clearly. Ball Tracking shows umpire's call on wickets hitting. A strong opinion but that looks like a match-winning wicket.

40.41

Very full and outside off, Nawaz lofts it to deep point for a single.

40.30

Too full and flighted, outside off, Nawaz jams it out to cover.

40.20

Shorter and on middle, Nawaz keeps it out.

40.11

Fuller and on middle, this is nudged to mid-wicket for a single.

Final Powerplay coming up. Now 5, fielders are allowed outside the circle. The game is evenly posied at the moment.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 40 overs : 272/5

M Nawaz1 (5)

M Rizwan45 (38)

J Hazlewood8-1-29-0

39.60

Short in length and on off, Nawaz looks to pull but misses and gets hit on the pads.

39.51

This is full and on off, it is whipped to deep square leg for a single.

39.41

Some reverse swing for Josh Hazlewood as this one comes back in on off. Nawaz inside edges his push to fine leg.

39.30

On a length and outside off, Nawaz chops it to point.

39.20

Length ball on the pads. Nawaz tickles it through the carpet to the keeper.

39.11

Outside off, this is cut to point for a quick single.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 39 overs : 269/5

M Nawaz0 (1)

M Rizwan43 (36)

A Zampa8-0-42-2

38.60

Tossed up on middle, this is blocked out.

38.5W

OUT! LBW! A huge appeal for LBW but it is turned down. Australia have taken a review. If no bat there, it should be plumb. Looks out to the naked eye. UltraEdge shows if is pad first. Ball Tracking shows THREE REDS. Iftikhar Ahmed is out. Huge moment in the game yet again. Australia finding a way to get the breakthrough just when Pakistan think to change the gears. Flat and on middle, slower in the air. Iftikhar Ahmed rocks on the back foot to cut but sticks his pad up first. It hits the flap and then the bat. Pakistan five down now.

38.42

A bit short and outside off, Ahmed pulls it over mid-wicket for a couple.

38.31

This is full and on off. Rizwan goes insde-out through extra-cover for a single.

38.21

Outside off, this is guided to backward point for a single.

38.10

Flat and on middle, Ahmed turns it to mid-wicket.

Adam Zampa is back into the attack.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 38 overs : 265/4

I Ahmed23 (16)

M Rizwan42 (35)

M Stoinis5-0-40-2

37.61

Full and on middle, eased to long on for a single. 13 runs of it. 27 of the last two overs.

37.50

Length and on middle, this is punched to mid on.

37.41

Goes for the yorker on middle, it is flicked to square leg for one.

37.34

FOUR! Rizwan joins the party now. Pakistan need just over 100 now. Length ball on middle and leg. Rizwan whips it down to fine leg for four.

37.21

Too full on middle, this is flicked to deep square leg for a single.

37.16

SIX! The carnage has started. Iftikhar Ahmed has made up his mind. Three sixes in five balls. On a length and outside off, slower ball and Ahmed says thank you very much, it is deposited over long off.

Runs Scored 14 Runs

Score after 37 overs : 252/4

I Ahmed15 (12)

M Rizwan37 (33)

P Cummins7-0-58-1

36.61

Tad short and on off, Ahmed pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

36.56

SIX! Second in the over and Pat Cummins is looking clueless at the moment. If Iftikhar Ahmed goes onto play the next 7-8 overs like this, it will be not easy for the Aussies. This is full and on middle, Ahmed gets inside the line and smashes it over square leg for a biggie.

36.40

On a length and on off, Ahmed pushes it to point.

36.36

SIX! POWERED! Iftikhar Ahmed showing his muscles. This is full and on middle, Ahmed heaves it to square leg for a biggie.

36.20

On a length and on off, Ahmed works it to point.

36.11

On middle, this is pulled to square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 36 overs : 238/4

M Rizwan36 (32)

I Ahmed2 (7)

M Stoinis4-0-27-2

35.61lb

Leg bye! Very full and on the pads. Rizwan misses his clip and it rolls to square leg for one.

35.61wd

Wide! Marcus Stoinis tries the slower bumper again. Rizwan misses his ramp shot and a wide is given.

35.51

Bangs it short and outside off, this is pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.

35.40

A slower bouncer, outside off. Ahmed watches it go past him to the keeper.

35.31

Tad short and on middle, Rizwan pulls it to deep square leg for one more.

35.21

On the pads, this is whipped behind square leg for a single.

35.11

Length and on off, Rizwan turns it to mid-wicket for a single.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 35 overs : 232/4

I Ahmed0 (4)

M Rizwan34 (29)

P Cummins6-0-44-1

34.60

Just the run as a wicket of the over. Length and on middle, Ahmed defends.

34.50

Length and on off, defended out.

34.40

A good length delivery, outside off, too quick for Ahmed as he looks to cut but misses.

34.30

Length ball on middle, Ahmed blocks it out.

Iftikhar Ahmed is the new man in.

34.2W

OUT! GONE! Excellent from Cummins. Bowls it short but angles it away from the left-hander. Saud Shakeel was playing the pull shot well but got big on him this time, slices it up and to point where Marcus Stoinis runs back and takes a brilliant catch. Timely wicket for Australia as Saud Shakeel was looking to change the gears.

34.11

Shorter and on middle, Rizwan pulls it to mid-wicket for a single.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 34 overs : 231/3

M Rizwan33 (28)

S Shakeel30 (30)

G Maxwell5-0-40-0

33.61

Rizwan retains the strike as he pushes this full ball to long on.

33.51

On middle, this is swept to deep square leg for a single.

33.44

FOUR! That was meant to be hit. Short and outside off. Saud Shakeel takes it well as he pulls it over mid-wicket.

33.31

On middle, this is clipped to mid-wicket for a single.

33.22

A bit quicker on off, this is punched through covers for a couple.

33.10

Around leg, this is punched to cover.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 33 overs : 222/3

S Shakeel25 (28)

M Rizwan29 (24)

M Starc7-0-56-0

32.64

FOUR! Played so well. Saud Shakeel is in such a good form that he will not miss out on those. A full toss on off. Saud Shakeel paddles it down to fine leg for one-bounce four. 9 off it.

32.50

Too short and outside  off, Saud leaves.

32.40

Goes back to the full ball on middle, it is nudged to mid-wicket.

32.34

FOUR! A boundary in this over too. Short in length and on off. Sits nicely for Saud Shakeel who pulls it over mid-wicket for four.

32.31wd

Wide! A bumper on middle, Saud Shakeel leaves and it has been given as a wide.

32.20

On middle, Saud Shakeel makes a solid block.

32.10

Starc bowls an off-cutter, length and on off. Saud Shakeel looks to pull but misses and gets hit on the pads. An appeal but that was going over.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 32 overs : 213/3

M Rizwan29 (24)

S Shakeel17 (22)

G Maxwell4-0-31-0

31.64

FOUR! Rizwan is managing a boundary in each over. Tossed up, outside off. Rizwan skips down and thumps it over to long off for a boundary.

31.50

Tossed up on middle, Rizwan tucks it to square leg.

31.40

Flat and on off, Rizwan punches it to point.

31.31

This is full and outside off, Saud drives it through covers for a single.

31.20

On middle, Saud Shakeel keeps it out.

31.10

Tossed up on off, this is swept but to short fine leg.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 208/3

M Rizwan25 (21)

S Shakeel16 (19)

M Starc6-0-47-0

30.64

FOUR! That is a top shot. On a length and outside off. Rizwan falls over as he heaves it over to deep mid-wicket for a boundary. Pakistan going really strong here. Australia need to find inspiration from somewhere.

30.50

Short again and Rizwan pulls but finds the man at mid-wicket.

30.41

Shorter and on middle, this is pulled to deep square leg for a single.

30.31

Fuller and on middle, this is pushed to covers for a single.

30.21

Another single as Saud Shakeel works it to third man for a single.

30.11

Shorter and on off, this is pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 200/3

S Shakeel14 (17)

M Rizwan19 (17)

J Hazlewood7-1-26-0

29.64

FOUR! Good end to the over. This is full and around off. Saud Shakeel drags a bit but does well  to hit it over mid on for a boundary.

29.50

On middle, this is blocked.

29.44lb

FOUR! off the edge! Pakistan won't mind much as they are keeping up to the required run rate. Shorter and on middle, Saud Shakeel pulls but gets a top edge to third man. It was off the helmet and the physio is out now for concussion protocol. Looks alright.

29.30

Goes full and on middle, eased to mid on.

29.20

A length ball, outside off. Saud Shakeel mistimes his punch to mid off. In the air but falls well short.

29.21wd

Wide! Straight down the leg side. Saud lets it go.

29.11

On a length and outside off, Rizwan heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 29 overs : 190/3

S Shakeel10 (12)

M Rizwan18 (16)

A Zampa7-0-38-1

28.62

EASY TWO! Tossed up, outside off, this is driven through covers for a couple.

28.51

Flighted on middle, Rizwan flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

28.41

Too full and on middle, this is flicked to deep square leg for a single.

28.30

Very full and outside off, Shakeel reverse sweeps to short third.

28.24

FOUR! One bad ball and the pressure goes away. On the pads. Saud Shakeel tickles it down to fine leg for a boundary.

28.11

Tossed up on middle, Rizwan skips down and works it to long on for one.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 28 overs : 181/3

S Shakeel3 (8)

M Rizwan16 (14)

J Hazlewood6-1-20-0

27.60

A couple of good overs from the Aussies. They will feel good after the wicket of Azam. Length ball, outside off, Saud Shakeel chops it to short third.

27.51

Length ball on off, Rizwan tucks it to mid-wicket for one more.

27.41

Slightly short and on middle, this is pulled to square leg for a single.

27.30

Fuller and on middle, nudged to mid-wicket.

27.20

Length and on off, this is blocked out.

27.10

Fuller and outside off. Saud Shakeel looks to drive but misses.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 27 overs : 179/3

S Shakeel2 (3)

M Rizwan15 (13)

A Zampa6-0-29-1

26.61

Just one. Fuller and on middle, Saud Shakeel scoops it over to fine leg for a single.

26.61wd

Wide! Spills it down the leg side, Saud Shakeel misses his clip.

26.50

Flat and on off, this is punched square on the off side.

26.41

A googly, around off. Rizwan works it to mid-wicket for a single.

26.31

This is full and outside off, it is dropped to point for a single.

Saud Shakeel walks to the middle.

26.2W

OUT! GONE! Pat Cummins has just pulled off a blinder to dismiss the opposition skipper. Big, big wicket for the Aussies. Adam Zampa bowls a bit short on middle, Azam's eyes lit up as he pulls it flat and to the right of mid-wicket but Pat Cummins was not letting this one slip away as he flies to his right and holds onto it. Superb from Cummins.

26.11

Sloppy work. Full and on off, this is driven back to Zampa who tries to stop with his foot and gives away a single as it deflects away.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 26 overs : 174/2

M Rizwan13 (11)

B Azam18 (13)

M Stoinis3-0-22-2

25.61

Bowls it short and outside off. Rizwan pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

25.50

Length and on off, this is blocked out.

25.41

This is on a length and outside off, Azam plays with soft hands to third man for a single.

25.31

On middle, pulled to deep square leg for a single.

25.31wd

Wide! Goes short but down the leg side, left alone.

25.20

Drops it short but stays low off the deck. Rizwan looks to pull but misses.

25.11

Outside off, dropped to third man for a single.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 169/2

M Rizwan11 (7)

B Azam16 (11)

P Cummins5-0-43-0

24.64

FOUR! Threads it through. What a fine shot. Fuller and outside off. Rizwan strokes it through mid off and cover for a boundary. 10 runs of this one.

24.52

Tad short and on middle, Rizwan gets low to pull through mid-wicket for a couple.

24.40

Length and on off, this is dropped to point.

24.34

FOUR! off the edge! Length ball, outside off, Rizwan looks to cut but edges it past the keeper and to third man for four. Pakistan need another partnership and couldn't get much better from these two to make it happen.

24.20

Length ball, on off, punched to cover.

24.10

On middle, blocked out.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 159/2

B Azam16 (11)

M Rizwan1 (1)

M Stoinis2-0-17-2

23.64

FOUR! Well played! On a length and on middle, not a bad delivery but Azam plays with a straight bat and through mid on for a boundary.

23.51

Length and outside off, Rizwan chops it to third man for a single.

Mohammad Rizwan walks out to bat.

23.4W

OUT! Marcus Stoinis has the other set-batter. He has been the shining light for the Aussies. Drops it short and outside off. Imam-ul-Haq tries the upper-cut but does not get the elevation. Mitchell Starc at third man, runs to his left, slides and takes it well.

23.31

Goes very full and slow on middle, Azam helps it to deep square leg for a single.

23.21

Length and on off, Imam-ul-Haq plays with an open face of the bat to third man for one.

23.11

On the pads, this is clipped to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 151/1

Imam69 (69)

B Azam10 (8)

M Starc5-0-39-0

22.64

FOUR!  Wonderful shot. Imam-ul-Haq makes room on the off side, Starc bangs it short and on middle, this is pulled flat and to mid-wicket for four runs. Boundary ruins the last over.

22.51

A length ball on middle, Azam works it to square leg for one more.

22.40

142 clicks from Starc, length and outside off. Azam looks to push but misses.

22.31

On the hips, Imam-ul-Haq helps it to short fine leg for a single.

22.21

Outside off, this is punched to sweeper for a single.

22.11

Length ball, outside off, this is tapped to short third man. The fielder hits at the batter's end and gives away a single as the ball deflects away.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 143/1

B Azam8 (5)

Imam63 (66)

M Stoinis1-0-9-1

21.60

Length ball, around off. Azam blocks it out.

21.54

FOUR! SHOT! This is very full and on middle, Azam flicks it well wide of mid-wicket and finds the fence again.

21.40

A bit too short and on middle, Azam leaves it alone.

21.34

FOUR! The number 1 ODI batter is underway. Slightly short and on middle, Azam pulls it through square leg and into the fence.

21.31wd

Wide! Angles a length ball down the leg side. Azam misses his clip.

21.20

Drops it short and on middle, Azam sits under it.

Babar Azam is the new man in.

21.1W

OUT! GONE! Marcus Stoinis is the man for the Aussies. A huge roar as he gets the breakthrough. How badly Australia needed that one? Marcus Stoinis hits the hard-length and on middle, Shafique goes for the pull but gets a top edge, high in the night sky and to mid-wicket where Glenn Maxwell takes a dolly.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 134/0

Imam63 (66)

A Shafique64 (60)

M Starc4-0-31-0

20.60

Goes for the slower  one, length and on leg, Imam-ul-Haq keeps it out.

20.51

This is short and on middle, Shafique pulls with soft hands and in the vacant square leg region for a single.

20.41

Length and outside off, this is dabbed to third man for a single.

20.30

A bouncer on middle, Imam evades it well and gets a stare from Starc.

20.20

Starc bowls it short, not too short for Imam's liking as he swings but misses.

20.11

Mitchell Starc is back. Length and on middle, it is clipped to square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 15 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 131/0

Imam62 (62)

A Shafique62 (58)

G Maxwell3-0-26-0

19.62

Two runs! Full and on middle, Imam drills it wide of long on for a couple of runs. 15 runs off the over. Time to bring back Mitchell Starc for a couple of overs?

19.54

FOUR! Third off the over. Pressure on the Aussies. Fuller and outside off. Imam-ul-Haq lofts it over covers in the gap for a  boundary.

19.40

Tossed up on middle, it is flicked to mid-wicket.

19.31

Flat and outside off, Shafique chops it to short third for one.

19.24

FOUR! Two in a row. Yes, they have definitely gone full throttle. Too full and on middle, Shafique skips down and smashes it down the ground for a boundary.

19.14

FOUR! Pakistan have changed the gears now. Flat and outside off. Shafique uses his feet and plays it over covers for a boundary.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 116/0

A Shafique53 (55)

Imam56 (59)

A Zampa5-0-24-0

18.61

Zampa bowls it short and cramps Shafique on the leg side who looks to pull but mistimes. The ball lobs behind the keeper for one.

18.51

Fuller and on middle, Imam nudges it to square leg for a single.

18.41

Flat and outside off, Shafique knocks it through point for a single.

18.31

This is full and on mdidle, Imam sweeps it through square leg for a single.

18.20

Flat and on middle, Imam-ul-Haq keeps it out.

18.10

Fuller and on middle, defended out.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 112/0

Imam54 (55)

A Shafique51 (53)

G Maxwell2-0-11-0

17.61

A single to end the over as Imam works it to long on.

17.54

FOUR! Fifty up for Imam. Played really well and has given the best start Pakistan would have hoped for. Helps it here, on the pads, Imam tickles it to fine leg for four. Imam-ul-Haq will hope to convert it into a big one.

17.40

Flat and on off, blocked out.

17.31

This is full and on middle, Shafique smashes it straight back to Glenn Maxwell who half-stops and it rolls to long on for a single. Was hit hard.

17.21

DROPPED! Was a hard one but need to take it. Drops it short and on middle, Imam-ul-Haq pulls it flat and to mid-wicket where Pat Cummins leaps and gets a hand but fails to hold on.

17.11

Tossed up on middle, it is nudged through mid-wicket for one. Fifty for Shafique. Fine knock so far.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 104/0

Imam48 (51)

A Shafique49 (51)

A Zampa4-0-20-0

16.64

FOUR! Ends the over with a boundary. This is short and outside off, Imam-ul-Haq cuts in the gap and through backward point for a boundary.

16.50

On off, Imam-ul-Haq keeps it out.

16.41

This is full and outside off. Shafique gets down the pitch and drags it to long on for one. 100 up.

16.31

Fuller and outside off, Imam works it past cover for a single.

The umpires are having some conversations with both the batters. DRS is not working at the moment.

16.20

Tossed up on middle, Imam-ul-Haq comes down the pitch and blocks.

16.11

A full toss on middle, Shafique eases it to long on for a single.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 97/0

Imam43 (47)

A Shafique47 (49)

G Maxwell1-0-3-0

15.60

This one comes with the arm, on off. Imam goes back and blocks it out.

15.51

This is full and outside off. Shafique works it to deep cover for a single.

15.40

Flat and on off. Shafique punches it to cover.

15.31

On middle, this is drilled to long on for a single.

15.20

Flat and on middle, Imam-ul-Haq defends it out.

15.11

Full and on middle, this is flicked to mid-wicket for a single.

Drinks. Just the start Pakistan wanted in such a high scoring match. The game is on. The dew has not yet been seen but if Pakistan continue the same way, it might just help in the later stages to bat as the surface will get a lot easier. For Australia, they have to be more accurate and take their chances.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 94/0

Imam42 (44)

A Shafique45 (46)

A Zampa3-0-13-0

14.60

A googly on the full and on middle, Imam-ul-Haq tries to flick but gets a soft leading edge to cover.

14.51

Tossed up on middle, this is clipped to square leg for a single.

14.40

Bowls it on leg, Shafique whips it to mid-wicket. Cummins dives to his left there.

14.31

Full and on middle, Imam flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

14.21

Tad short and on middle, Shafique punches it through covers for a single.

14.11

Flat and on middle, this is worked to square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 90/0

A Shafique43 (43)

Imam40 (41)

P Cummins4-0-33-0

13.66

SIX! It is six. Good shot from Shafique. Shorter and on middle, picks the length quickly as Shafique pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Lands on the ropes and the big screen shows six.

13.50

On middle, nudged to mid-wicket.

13.41

Length and outside off, Imam dabs to the right of short third man. Steven Smith makes a good stop. One.

13.30

A length ball, outside off, Imam punches it straight to cover.

13.21

Around off, this is pushed to covers for a single.

13.11

Outside off, this is guided to third man for a single.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 81/0

Imam38 (38)

A Shafique36 (40)

A Zampa2-0-9-0

12.61

Slows it up and bowls it on middle, Imam works it to square leg for a single.

12.51

Goes very full and on middle, it is hit to long on for a single.

12.41

Flat and on middle, this is played to mid-wicket for a single.

12.30

On middle, this is nudged to mid-wicket.

12.24

FOUR! Another one. Tossed up, outside off. Imam-ul-Haq comes down the track and thumps it straight down the ground for four.

12.11

Fuller and on off, driven to long off for a single.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 73/0

A Shafique34 (38)

Imam32 (34)

P Cummins3-0-24-0

11.61

On off, this is pushed to third man for a single.

11.56

SIX AND DROPPED! This is similar to what we saw in the first innings. Australia not taking their chances. This is short and on middle. Shafique pulls, Sean Abbott at deep square leg stands close to the ropes. He takes to his right but nervousness spills the ball out of his hand and over the ropes. Should have been taken.

11.44

FOUR! And we have a boundary just as we speak. This is full and outside off, Shafique drives it back past Cummins for four. Anything full is being crashed away.

11.30

Australia have done well to pull things back and slow the boundary counts. Length ball, outside off, Shafique looks to push but misses.

11.21

Length ball, outside  off. Imam drives it square on the off side for a single.

11.10

This is very full and on off. Imam-ul-Haq punches it to point.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 61/0

A Shafique23 (34)

Imam31 (32)

A Zampa1-0-1-0

10.60

This one lands on middle and spins away. Shafique prods and blocks.

10.51lb

Leg bye! Bowls it on the pads, Imam helps it to fine leg for a single. It was off the pads.

10.40

Three dots now. On middle, Imam-ul-Haq makes a solid block.

10.30

This is full and on off, Imam whips and it lands just short of the diving mid-wicket fielder.

10.20

Tossed up on off. Imam defends it to point.

10.11

Flighted, full and on middle, eased to long on for a single.

Powerplay 1 is done. Now, 4 fielders are allowed outside the circle till the 40th over. Adam Zampa comes to bowl now.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 59/0

A Shafique22 (32)

Imam31 (28)

J Hazlewood5-1-18-0

9.61

Around off, this is punched to mid off for a quick single.

9.50

Well fielded. Length ball, outside off. Shafique punches it hard to the right of point where Steven Smith dives and gets a big hand on it.

9.41

Another single as Imam steers it to third man for a run.

9.31

Tad short and on the hips, this is pulled behind square leg for a single.

9.21

Outside off, Imam-ul-Haq plays it delicately to third man for a single.

9.10

Too full and outside off, this is driven to cover.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 55/0

A Shafique20 (29)

Imam29 (25)

P Cummins2-0-12-0

8.60

Length and on middle, this is defended.

8.54

FOUR! Pulled away! Drops it short and on off. At first, Shafique looked in trouble but he nailed the shot through square leg.

8.41

Really good running. Length and on off. Imam-ul-Haq taps it to mid off and calls for it. Makes to the other end quickly.

8.30

Goes short now, outside off. Imam slashes and misses. Feels like Australia are finding some rhythm back.

8.21lb

Angles it on the hips, Shafique plays it behind square leg for a single. 50 up for Pakistan.

8.11

Fuller and on middle, it is worked to square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 48/0

A Shafique16 (26)

Imam27 (22)

J Hazlewood4-1-14-0

7.60

Three good overs from Australia! Length and outside off, it is knocked to point.

7.50

Josh Hazlewood hits the length hard, outside off, this is punched to cover.

7.41

QUICK SINGLE! Length ball on off, Imam bunts it to mid-wicket for a single.

7.31

On middle, this is nudged through mid-wicket for a single.

7.20

Drags it back and bowls it around off, Shafique drops it to cover.

7.10

Angling on middle, Shafique tucks it to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 46/0

A Shafique15 (21)

Imam26 (21)

P Cummins1-0-6-0

6.61

Length and outside off, Shafique plays it to third man for a single.

6.54

FOUR! Thumped back past. That shot showed so much confidence in Shafique. On a length and outside off. Shafique skips down and tonks it over Cummins for a boundary.

6.40

Fuller and outside off, Shafique knocks it to cover.

6.30

A good-length delivery, outside off. Shafique again tries to push at it but misses.

6.21

Short and slanting on off. Imam dabs it to third man for a single.

6.10

A length ball on off. Imam-ul-Haq blocks it out.

The captain brings himself into the attack.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 40/0

A Shafique10 (17)

Imam25 (19)

J Hazlewood3-1-12-0

5.60

Close to the edge. On a length and outside off. Shafique has a poke at it but misses. A maiden by Josh Hazlewood.

5.50

This is on top of off. Shafique strokes it to cover.

5.40

The length which Josh Hazlewood loves to bowl. On the shorter side and tempts Shafique to cut but fails to do so.

5.30

Fuller delivery, around off. Shafique eases it to mid off.

5.20

Goes full and outside off, Shafique drives but to the left of cover-point.

5.10

On middle, fuller and this is bunted to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 40/0

Imam25 (19)

A Shafique10 (11)

M Starc3-0-28-0

4.60

Too full and on middle, Imam-ul-Haq flicks but finds the man at mid-wicket.

4.50

Shorter and outside off. Imam-ul-Haq shoulders arms to it.

4.44

FOUR! Another boundary. Really bright start for Pakistan who would have dreamed of it at the break. Fuller and angling on middle, no swing and Imam nudges it through mid-wicket.

4.32

On middle, this is hit behind square leg for a couple of runs.

4.24

FOUR! This is poor from the experienced campaigner. Very full and straight on the pads. Imam-ul-Haq easily flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

4.11

Outside off, this is guided to third man for a single.

4.11wd

Wide! Another wide from Starc! Down the leg side, Shafique misses his flick.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 28/0

Imam15 (14)

A Shafique9 (10)

J Hazlewood2-0-12-0

3.60

Four dots to end the over. On a length and outside off, Imam-ul-Haq works it to mid off.

3.50

Shorter and outside off. Imam-ul-Haq lets it go.

3.40

Keeps it short and close to off. Imam-ul-Haq defends inside the line but misses.

3.30

Josh Hazlewood comes around the wicket and angles it on the pads. Imam misses his clip. An appeal but that was clearly going down.

3.24

FOUR! Excellent shot! Short in length and outside off. Imam-ul-Haq gets on his toes and punches it late past point for four. It is eighter four or dot.

3.14

FOUR! Not going well so far for Australia and Pakistan will hope it continues for a long time. Shorter and on middle, Imam-ul-Haq pulls, off the higher part of the blade but wide of square leg and it races to the fence.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 20/0

A Shafique9 (10)

Imam7 (8)

M Starc2-0-16-0

2.60

Superb stop. Fuller and outside off, Shafique creams it to cover but David Warner dives to his right and saves a certain boundary.

2.54

FOUR! Mitchell Starc needs to get his length and line right quickly. Goes full and well wide of off. Shafique opens the bat face and guides it through backward point.

2.40

Good shot but for no run. pitched up, outside off. Shafique drives well but to cover.

2.30

A length ball, outside off, Shafique knocks it to point.

2.20

Width again, outside off but this time Abdullah Shafique opts to leave it alone.

2.14

FOUR! Crashed away. Mitchell Starc gives too much width here, outside off and Shafique slashes it through cover who has no chance to stop.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 12/0

Imam7 (8)

A Shafique1 (4)

J Hazlewood1-0-4-0

1.60

Yes, he does. Goes a bit short, outside off. Imam-ul-Haq watches it go to the keeper.

1.50

Four dots for Josh Hazlewood now. Good comeback. On a length and on off, Imam drops it to point. Can he end with another dot?

1.40

Short in length and on the middle and leg. Imam-ul-Haq hops to block but misses.

1.30

A length ball, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq taps on the up and to point.

1.20

A length ball, outside off, Imam shoulders arms to it.

1.14

FOUR! The No.1 rank ODI bowler is greeted with a boundary. Length ball, outside off. Imam-ul-Haq crunches it through cover-point for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to bowl from the other end.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 8/0

Imam3 (2)

A Shafique1 (4)

M Starc1-0-8-0

0.63

THREE RUNS! Finally the over comes to an end. Fuller and outside off. Imam drives it through covers. Marnus Labuschagne gives a chase and dives in the deep to save a single.

0.50

Length ball, close to off. Imam defends it to cover.

0.41

Shafique is off the mark. On a length and swings it around off. Shafique splices his defense to third man for one.

0.30

This one does not swing. On a length and outside off, straightens up. Shafique looks to push but misses.

0.20

Goes very full and on middle, swings in. Shafique jams it out to mid on. Much better from Starc.

Mitchell Starc with a new pair of shoes to find his rhythm.

0.21wd

Wide! Make it four wides. Length ball, going down the leg side. Shafique looks to flick but misses.

0.21wd

Wide! Starc still not able to find the line. Sides it down the leg side, Shafique fails to clip.

0.10

Beauty! Pitches it up and outside off, swings in sharply. Shafique looks to drive it away from the body but misses.

0.11wd

Wide! Similar again. Gets it to shape in but the line is down the leg side. Shafique misses his flick.

0.11wd

Wide! A bit of shape. On a length and going down the leg side. Shafique misses his clip.

Commentary

We are back. A mammoth task awaits for Pakistan and a lot rests on their top order. The players are out in the middle. Shaheen Afridi ended with five wickets, can the other left-armer, Starc replicate something similar....

... THE CHASE..

Pakistan on the other hand, will be very pleased with how they have come back into the game! They were battered at the start. Their pacers went the journey, they were dropping catches and their body language was quite poor. The spinners though, the likes of Mohammad Nawaz and Iftikhar Ahmed bowled quite tightly in the middle overs. Usama Mir was also decent but it was the death bowling which was brilliant. The likes of Shaheen Afridi, who was the pick and Rauf were excellent. Shaheen Afridi ended with a fifer and Rauf who went for around 60 in his first four, ended with three. Pakistan though still have a big target ahead of them and the wicket does not seem that easy. It oculd get better under lights but they will have to bat really well. Australia on the other hand, will believe they can defend this. An interesting second half awaits.

That is a serious comeback by Pakistan and they have momentum on their side heading into the break! At one stage, Australia looked all set for 400. Their openers got them off to an absolute flier. The two added over 200 and when they were batting, it was all carnage. Both scored tons. Marsh fell but Warner continued. However, after Marsh he kept losing partners at the other end. Warner though got his 150 up but once he fell, runs were not easy to come by. Australia only managed to score around 65 in the last 10 and they will be pretty disappointed with that.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 50 overs : 367/9

P Cummins6 (8)

A Zampa1 (1)

S Afridi10-1-54-5

49.62

NOT OUT! Pat Cummins is in! That was quite slow from the fielder though! Fuller and on middle, this is heaved towards deep mid-wicket. They take one. The fielder is quite slow in getting to the ball. They go for the second. The throw is also a poor one to the keeper who whips the bails off. It is referred but replays show that the batter is in. AUSTRALIA END WITH 367!

49.50

How has that missed the leg pole? Pat Cummins was completely done in by the lack of pace there. A slower one. Cummins goes for the swing but then tries to defend. He misses and it goes just past the leg pole.

49.40

Yet another dot! Full and angled into the pads, Pat Cummins swings but misses to get hit on the pads.

49.31

Only one! A full toss outside off, Adam Zampa guides it past point. There could have been an easy two as the fielder fumbles but Pat Cummins wants strike and only takes one.

49.31wd

WIDE! Hat-trick is still on! Down the leg side. Wided.

49.2W

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Five for Shaheen Afridi and he is on a hat-trick yet again. Outstanding., This is his best bowling performance in this World Cup so far. He bowls it on a length and outside off, Josh Hazlewood looks to drive but this goes off the outside edge and it is taken by the keeper. Can he get a hat-trick this time?

49.1W

OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Shaheen Afridi has 4! A slower one, full and on off, this is lofted down towards long off. Saud Shakeel takes it. That was right off the toe-end. Can Shaheen Afridi take five?

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 49 overs : 363/7

M Starc2 (2)

P Cummins4 (5)

H Rauf8-0-83-3

48.61

On off, this is pushed down to long off for only one. Dealing in singles at the moment.

48.51

Well fielded again! Fuller and on middle, Pat Cummins swings, it goes off the inner half towards short fine where the fielder dives to his left and stops it.

48.41

On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.

48.3W

OUT! TAKEN! Marnus Labuschagne will feel slightly unlucky! He had nailed that! Absolutely nailed it but straight to the fielder. A short one and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne goes back and samshes the short one towards deep mid-wicket. Shadab Khan takes a fine, sharp catch. It came to him quickly. Australia losing their way here. Also, Haris has his third. Whenever, he takes three, Pakistan's chances of winning are very high.

48.21

Another slower one, this is hit towards mid-wicket for one.

48.11b

BYE! A slower one outside off, Marnus Labuschagne is early in the swing, it goes on the bounce to Rizwan who fails to stop it cleanly. It hits his pad and rolls towards short third man who does well. He dives and saves at least two.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 48 overs : 358/6

P Cummins2 (3)

M Labuschagne8 (10)

S Afridi9-1-50-3

47.62

Two this time! Shaheen Afridi goes fuller, this is hit wide of mid-wicket for two.

47.51lb

Just the leg bye again! On the pads, Marnus Labuschagne looks to flick but misses, it hits the pad and rolls on the off side. A leg bye taken.

47.40

Another dot! A slower one outside off, Marnus Labuschagne swings but misses again.

47.31lb

Just another leg bye! Angled into the pads, Pat Cummins looks to defend but misses, it hits the pad and rolls on the off side for one. Leg bye taken.

47.20

A dot now! Absolute godl! Goes very full and on off, this is driven but to covers.

47.1W

A loud appeal and up goes the finger! Stoinis reviews but that seems out. It is more in hope as this is the last recognized pair. OUT! THREE REDS! Marcus Stoinis has to walk back! This is brilliant from Pakistan who are coming back into the game quite strongly! A slower one on middle, Marcus Stoinis looks to move across and play the paddle scoop. He misses to get hit on the pads. Stoinis did not adapt to the pace of the wicket. It was more or less a struggle for him and he now has to walk back. Shaheen Afridi has his third.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 47 overs : 354/5

M Stoinis21 (23)

M Labuschagne8 (8)

H Rauf7-0-79-2

46.61

Yes, he does! Just the single! Stoinis though will be disappointed he did not put that away! Rauf misses the yorker and bowls a full toss, a fast one. This is thumped down the ground towards the long off. Only one.

46.50

Another excellent slower one. Shorter and outside off, Marcus Stoinis looks to heave it but no connection. Can Rauf end the over well?

46.40

That is an outstanding slower one. Brilliant. Stoinis was a week early in the shot. Outside off, Marcus Stoinis swings but misses.

46.41wd

WIDE! A slower one but wide outside off, Stoinis slashes but misses. Harsh call. Rauf and Rizwan are not happy.

46.31

A yorker now on middle, Marnus Labuschagne works it towards mid-wicket and takes one.

46.24

FOUR! Smashed! 350 up and still 22 balls to go! Length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne clears his front leg and slams it over mid off. That was bowled at over 150 KPH but still Marnus Labuschagne manages to flat-bat it.

46.10

That is sharp! Really sharp! Shorter and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne looks to pull but is beaten for pace.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 46 overs : 347/5

M Labuschagne3 (5)

M Stoinis20 (20)

S Afridi8-1-48-2

45.61

A single to end! Outside off, Marnus Labuschagne slaps it past cover and takes one. A really good over at this stage of the game. Pakistan would love four more of such overs.

45.51

Just the one! On the pads, this is whipped towards deep square leg. Only one.

45.44

FOUR! That is a very smart shot! A slower one around off, Marcus Stoinis waits for it and then carves it over point. It races away to the fence. Welcome boundary for Australia. He was actually done in by the lack of pace but adjusted really well.

45.31

Just the one! Singles won't really hurt Pakistan! On middle, this is worked through square leg for one.

45.20

Two dots in a row now! Shorter and on the body, Marnus Labuschagne looks to pull but misses to get hit on the pads.

45.10

Yet another dot! A length ball around middle, Marnus Labuschagne looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 340/5

M Stoinis15 (18)

M Labuschagne1 (1)

H Rauf6-0-72-2

44.60

What an over that is! What a ball that is! Wow! A yorker to end. On middle, Marcus Stoinis somehow jams it out.

44.50

That is another dot! Shorter and outside off, Marcus Stoinis looks to play the upper cut but misses.

44.40

Yet another dot! Shorter and on off, Marcus Stoinis looks to pull but it goes off the underedge on the leg side.

44.31

Tip and run! Marnus Labuschagne is off the mark! Around off, this is guided towards point for one.

44.2W

A loud appeal but turned down! Rizwan wants the review to be taken and it is taken. Is it off the glove? OUT! That is off the glove and that is an important wicket. Josh Inglis can be devastating towards the end. Haris Rauf has another one. He is coming back strongly. Shorter and on off, Josh Inglis looks to play the paddle scoop but it goes off the glove to Rizwan who takes an easy catch.

44.11

Shorter and on the body, Marcus Stoinis looks to pull but it goes off the glove towards the leg side for one.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 338/4

J Inglis13 (8)

M Stoinis14 (14)

H Ali8-0-57-0

43.60

Four dots and two boundaries in the over then! Outside off, Josh Inglis goes after it with not a lot of foot movement. He is beaten.

43.54

FOUR! Brilliant placement! Angled into the pads, Josh Inglis flicks it but wide of mid-wicket and it races away to the fence.

43.40

Another dot! On the pads, Josh Inglis looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. He misses out there.

43.34

FOUR! Finds the gap! A full toss, looking for the yorker but misses it. This is driven through covers. Boundary results.

43.20

Two in a row! Another one on a length and around off, Josh Inglis plays it back to the bowler.

43.10

Shorter and on middle, a slower one, this is worked to mid-wicket. Need dots. Dots are gold.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 330/4

M Stoinis14 (14)

J Inglis5 (2)

H Rauf5-0-70-1

42.60

That was nailed! The stumps at the other end saves a boundary! Length and on middle, Stoinis powers it towards the other end but it hits the stumps. End of an action-packed over.

42.50

Good length and on middle, defended,

42.41

Outside off, Inglis cuts it through point for another one.

42.34

FOUR! Cut away! That is poor, that is very poor from Haris Rauf! He got a wicket early on but bowls it short and outside off, this is cut past point and it races away to the fence.

42.2W

OUT! TAKEN! Pakistan finally get David Warner! Twice he was dropped and he has taken full toll of it. Take nothing away from his knock though. Pure class. End of another magical knock we have seen in this game. Haris Rauf on the other hand, will be extremely delighted. He bowls another slower one. This time the length is dragged back a little. Warner may not have expected another slower one. He is done in by the lack of pace. One hand comes off the handle as he looks to loft it over long on. He does not get the connection and Shadab Khan takes an easy catch.

42.16

SIX! Rauf is back into the attack and he is yet again hit for a biggie! This is in the slot again! Full and on middle, David Warner lifts it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 42 overs : 319/3

M Stoinis14 (12)

D Warner157 (122)

H Ali7-0-49-0

41.62

Two to end! Just the 7 from the over. Good one by Hasan Ali! A slower one on middle, Marcus Stoinis works it past mid-wicket. Two taken.

41.51

On middle, Warner works it through mid-wicket and takes one.

41.42

A slower one, fuller and outside off, this is played past cover for two.

41.31

That is hit very hard but only one! Outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.

41.20

Good length and on middle, Marcus Stoinis works it to mid-wicket.

41.11

A slower one on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Runs Scored 15 Runs

Score after 41 overs : 312/3

M Stoinis11 (9)

D Warner153 (119)

U Mir9-0-82-1

40.66

SIX! Over the fence! Marcus Stoinis joins the act now! This is tossed up, it is very full and outside off, Marcus Stoinis nails it over the long off fence for a biggie.

40.51

Outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.

40.40

A yorker now on middle, this is jammed back to the bowler. A dot.

40.31

Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

40.21

On middle, this is worked down to long on for one. That seemed a pre-dertermined shot. It was a similar length to the one Warner hit a six for.

40.16

SIX! 300 up and so is 150 up for Warner. He may have decided it is time to go! On middle, tossed up, the slog sweep is out and it sails over the mid-wicket fence.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 40 overs : 297/3

M Stoinis4 (7)

D Warner145 (115)

H Ali6-0-42-0

39.60

Good length and on middle, this is pushed to mid on.

39.51

A slower one, this is nudged towards short fine leg for one.

39.41lb

A leg bye! On the pads, Marcus Stoinis looks to flick but misses, it hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

39.32

Uppish but wide of the fielder! Fuller and around off, this is driven but wide of cover for two.

39.20

Back of a length and on off, defended.

39.12lb

That one stayed a touch low! On middle, it tails back in, Marcus Stoinis looks to flick but misses, it hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. Two leg byes.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 39 overs : 291/3

D Warner144 (114)

M Stoinis2 (2)

U Mir8-0-67-1

38.64

FOUR! The last ball will hurt! It was such a good over till then and Pakistan would have been hoping he could end it well but serves a half volley around off, this is driven crisply wide of mid off and into the fence.

38.50

Tossed up on off, this is pushed to mid off.

38.41

On middle, Marcus Stoinis looks to defend, it goes off the inner half through square leg for one.

38.31

On middle, this is worked down to long on for one. Rizwan wanted Usama to stop that but he says it was quite far.

38.21

Tossed up on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

38.1W

OUT! TAKEN! Usama Mir has one! He deserved this wicket. He has been really good. Gets Smith who was dropped off his bowling a few overs ago. This time takes the onus on himself. Tosses it up, Smith gets too close to the pitch of the ball and looks to hit it back past the bowler. He does not get the elevation he wanted and it is hit hard but straight to Usama Mir who takes it. No real celebration from Pakistan. They seem to be quite down on morale at the moment but wickets can change that.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 38 overs : 284/2

D Warner139 (111)

S Smith7 (8)

S Afridi7-1-41-2

37.60

Dot to end but 10 from the over! A full toss on off, this is pushed to cover.

37.54

FOUR! Finds the gap somehow! This is short and outside off, way outside off actually. David Warner reaches out for it, he gets it past the fielder at cover and this one races away too.

37.40

Back to bowling it on a length and on middle, Warner defends it back to the bowler.

37.34

FOUR! Thumped! Shorter in length and on middle, it sits up nicely. Warner pulls it over mid-wicket and it races away. Welcome boundary for the Aussies but that was a poor length by Shaheen.

37.22

Fuller and around off, Warner lofts it down the ground. It is not off the middle. It plugs near the boundary. Two taken.

37.10

Another good phase of play building for Pakistan! Shorter and around off, Warner pushes it to covers.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 37 overs : 274/2

D Warner129 (105)

S Smith7 (8)

U Mir7-0-60-0

36.61

Shorter and around off, this is pushed wide of cover for one.

36.50

On middle, Warner rocks back and plays it back to the bowler.

36.51wd

WIDE! Down the leg side. Warner looks to flick but misses.

36.40

Another dot! A google, Warner reads it, he goes back and slaps it but to covers.

36.31

Shorter and around off, this is cut towards point. A fumble and a run is taken.

36.22

Tossed up around off, this is driven past cover for two.

36.10

Really good from Usama Mir, shortens the length as he sees Smith come down the track, Smith looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pad.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 36 overs : 269/2

D Warner128 (102)

S Smith4 (5)

S Afridi6-1-31-2

35.60

A good slower one to end, fuller and on off, Warner looks to push at it, it goes off the inner half back to the bowler. Smith takes off but is sent back. Afridi hits the stumps at his end but Smith is well in. Warner thinks of an overthrow but Smith sends him back. Decent over by Afridi.

35.51lb

Shorter and on the pads, Steven Smith looks to pull but misses, it hits the pad. A leg bye taken.

35.41

Just another one! Outside off, this is guided through point for one.

35.30

Length and outside off, Warner mistimes it to cover.

35.21

On middle, Smith works it through mid-wicket for one.

35.21wd

An appeal but that was probably to put the umpire off! Wide signaled! This is down the leg side. Smith looks to flick but misses. Rizwan dives and takes it.

35.11

No hat-trick for Warner! Around off, this is guided through point for one.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 35 overs : 264/2

S Smith3 (3)

D Warner126 (98)

U Mir6-0-55-0

34.62

Two! Shorter and outside off, Smith guides it past point for two.

34.50

Has that been dropped? It is the skipper! Yes, it is a drop! That too should have been taken, it was a regulation catch. Lovely bowling from Usama Mir! He floats it up around off, it lands and spins away. Smith looks to drive but it goes off the outside edge towards Azam who spills it as he is diving to his right. This could be another costly miss. Credit to him to keep himself in the slip position at this time but needed to take that.

34.41

Just the one! Outside off, this is guided past point for one.

34.31

Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

34.21

Turn and bounce! This lands around off and spins back in, also takes off after landing. Warner looks to cut but it goes off the splice towards point for one.

34.10

Tossed up on middle, defended.

Steven Smith walks out to bat!

Runs Scored 14 Runs

Score after 34 overs : 259/2

G Maxwell0 (1)

D Warner124 (95)

S Afridi5-1-27-2

33.6W

OUT! TWO IN A ROW! It is a no show from the Big Show! He bags a first-baller and this is just the kind of over Pakistan needed. Yes, it did go for 14 runs but two big wickets in it. A good length ball around middle, Glenn Maxwell looks to heave it, it goes off the top edge towards mid off and Babar Azam takes it. Wickets is the only thing that can contain the Aussies. They have got two in this over but Pakistan need to continue to pick wickets.

Glenn Maxwell walks out to bat! A promotion for the Big Show!

33.5W

OUT! TAKEN! That is a good catch from Usama Mir! He dropped one earlier on but not this time and the mammoth stand has been broken. Pakistan will be absolutely relieved. Shaheen gets one. This is full and on the pads, Mitchell Marsh flicks it but low towards short fine leg. Usama Mir dives forward and takes it. End of a destructive innings from Marsh. Can Pakistan now build on this?

33.46

SIX MORE! This is a nothing delivery! A short one on the pads, it is towards the short boundary! This is pulled well over the square leg fence for a biggie.

33.31

Fuller and outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.

33.21lb

A slower one this time, on the pads, Marsh looks to pull but misses, it hits the pad and rolls on the off side. A leg bye taken.

33.16

SIX! Really does not matter who is bowling, Marsh is tonking them out of the park! Yet again, this is in his zone, fuller and on off, Marsh lifts it over mid off and it sails over the fence. A biggie.

Runs Scored 19 Runs

Score after 33 overs : 245/0

D Warner123 (94)

M Marsh109 (104)

U Mir5-0-50-0

32.60

A dot to end but this is yet another massive over! The googly, it lands on middle and spins away. Warner guides it to point.

32.54

FOUR! Finds the gap yet again! Too full from Usama Mir and he pays the price. This is nailed past the cover fielder and it races away to the fence.

32.44

FOUR! Finds the gap this time! This is problems for Pakistan! Rauf is not doing well and now Usama Mir is going for plenty! He was too short in the first two balls and now he goes full, very full and outside off, this is hit wide of cover for a boundary.

32.36

SIX! Over the fence! Too easy for Warner! This is way too short and Warner was ready for it, he nails it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

DRINKS! Australia continue to dominate! They are taking the game away from Pakistan and their opposition, with all the dropped catches are ot helping themselves too. 400 seems on the cards if this stand is not broken. More of the same is what Aussies would want where, Pakistan will hope the break can work in their favor.

32.24

DROPPED AND FOUR! Abdullah Shafique the culprit this time! Warner with yet another life. This should have been taken too. Shorter and on middle, David Warner goes back and pulls it towards deep mid-wicket. Abdullah Shafique runs to his right, dives but it does not stay in. It rolls towards the boundary too.

32.11

Shorter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 32 overs : 226/0

D Warner105 (89)

M Marsh108 (103)

H Rauf4-0-59-0

31.64

FOUR! Rauf goes for 12 in his comeback over! He has gone for 59 in his 4. Goes full and around off, Warner uses the pace and just times it past cover. This one races away to the fence.

31.50

Goes full and wide outside off, Warner slashes but misses.

31.41

Fuller and around off, Marsh pushes it through covers and takes one.

31.36

SIX! Bang! Not sure if that was a very bad delivery but such is the form of Marsh! Fuller and around off, this is heaved over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

31.21

Around off, Warner uses the pace of the bowler and guides it past point. One taken.

31.10

Rauf is back with another spell! Not the best of balls to begin with but gets away with it! Shorter and outside off, this is chopped to cover.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 214/0

M Marsh101 (101)

D Warner100 (85)

M Nawaz7-0-43-0

30.60

A dot to end! On the pads, Mitchell Marsh works it to short fine leg.

30.54

FOUR! 100 for Mitchell Marsh this time! What placement. Gets his ton up in style on his birthday! Brilliant. He is absolutely delighted. This is shorter and around off, Marsh goes back and punches it through covers. No chance of stopping that. Get a feeling we are going to see some fireworks now.

30.41

100 for Warner! He gets to the milestone! 21st ODI ton for him. He has made full use of the life he got earlier on. Taps this down to long on and gets to the other end. Takes his helmet off and soaks in the applause. Expect him to break free now.

30.30

Another dot! This is flatter and on middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

30.20

Flatter and on middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

30.11

Flatter and on middle, Marsh looks to defend, it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one. The man on 99 gets on strike.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 208/0

M Marsh96 (98)

D Warner99 (82)

H Ali5-0-39-0

29.61

Outside off, this is guided past point for one.

29.51

Around off, this is guided through point for one. Warner moves onto 99!

29.41

Back of a length and around off, Mitchell Marsh looks to push at it, it goes off the inside edge, hits the body and rolls on the off side for one.

29.30

A short one, a slower bumper, Mitchell Marsh evades it.

29.26

SIX! Bang! Marsh is into the 90s and he could well get to his ton before Warner if he strikes another blow like that. A slower one, Marsh walks down the track and makes it into a half volley, this is lofted over long off for a biggie.

29.10

Good length and around off, a little bit of tail back in. Defended.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 29 overs : 199/0

M Marsh88 (93)

D Warner98 (81)

M Nawaz6-0-37-0

28.61

A single to end the over! On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

28.51

He moves onto 98! On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.

28.40

Shorter and outside off, Warner chops it to cover.

28.34

FOUR! Finds the gap this time! Warner moves onto 97! Shorter and on middle, he goes down on one knee and nails it through square leg. It is in the gap and a boundary. Can he bring his ton up in this over itself?

28.20

Flatter and on off, kept out.

28.11

Not the best of efforts and that gets Warner on strike against Nawaz! On off, this is pushed towards cover. The fielder dives but it is only a half stop. A run taken.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 28 overs : 192/0

M Marsh86 (91)

D Warner93 (77)

H Ali4-0-30-0

27.61

A single to end! So six from the first ball and then only one from the next 5. This is outside off, Marsh his it through covers for one.

27.50

Excellent stuff! Hasan keeps bowling it on a length and around off, Marsh is happy to block it.

27.40

Good comeback from Hasan Ali so far! Yet again he gets it to shape back in, the line is a little too straight, Marsh looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

27.30

Well bowled again! Gets some inswing, starts around off and finishes on middle. Marsh plays it to mid-wicket.

27.20

Back of a length and on off, this is pushed to cover.

27.16

SIX! Not sure if getting Hasan Ali was the right move. He is greated with a biggie. Goes short, a nothing delivery, Mitchell Marsh rocks back and nails it over the mid-wicket fence.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 27 overs : 185/0

M Marsh79 (85)

D Warner93 (77)

M Nawaz5-0-30-0

26.61

Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one. 9 from this over then. A good one for the Aussies after a number of quiet ones.

26.50

Flatter and on off, defended.

26.41

Flatter and around off, this is guided past point for one.

26.34

FOUR! That is lovely placement! Enough of blocking says Warner, he steps out, gets to the pitch of it and whips it past mid-wicket. Long on runs to his left, dives but no chance.

26.22

Nicely played! Shorter and around off, Warner waits and then guides it past point for two.

26.11

Short and around off, an easy delivery for Marsh to get off the strike. He slaps it to cover and gets to the other end. Get a feeling Warner will look to step on the gas.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 26 overs : 176/0

M Marsh77 (82)

D Warner86 (74)

I Ahmed8-0-37-0

25.61

Just the 4 runs from this over as well! Shorter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.

25.50

Around off, Marsh plays it back to the bowler.

25.40

On middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

25.30

Flatter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

25.22lb

That is poor! An overthrow! Around off, this lands and spins back in. Marsh looks to defend, it goes off the pads towards short third man. They take one. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end. It hits the stumps and rolls towards long on. Another run taken. Leg byes.

25.11

Shorter and around off, Warner is off strike as he pushes it through covers.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 172/0

M Marsh76 (77)

D Warner85 (73)

M Nawaz4-0-21-0

24.60

Outstanding from Nawaz! On middle, this is pushed back to the bowler. The spinners have applied the breaks. Can they sneak in a wicket though?

24.50

Really good stuff! Marsh though is happy to play it out! Tossed up around off, this is pushed to cover.

24.40

He will be disappointed to not put that away! This was short and outside off, Marsh cuts but to point.

24.30

Angles this into middle, this is defended again. Marsh has yet again gone into a shell.

24.20

Flatter and around off, Marsh guides it to point.

24.11

On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 171/0

D Warner84 (72)

M Marsh76 (72)

I Ahmed7-0-35-0

23.61

Misfield and a run! Sums up Pakistan's day so far. It is their skipper. Outside off, this is guided towards point. There is half a chance if the fielder picks the ball up cleanly but he misfields and makes the single easy. Iftikhar Ahmed continues to keep it tight.

23.51

Just the one! Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.

23.40

Another dot! Iftikhar Ahmed has been brilliant! Tossed up around off, blocked.

23.30

Sharp turn! This lands around off and spins back in sharply. This is pushed to cover.

23.20

Iftikhar Ahmed is landing it on a similar length to Marsh, he is not allowing him to get under it nor is he letting him free his arms. Marsh is happy to defend.

23.10

On the flatter side, this is defended.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 169/0

D Warner83 (71)

M Marsh75 (67)

M Nawaz3-0-20-0

22.60

Better delivery to end! On middle, Warner defends it.

22.56

SIX! Slightly short and this is sent into the stands! Shorter and on middle, David Warner rocks back and nails it over the mid-wicket fence. Nawaz misses his length and Warner makes him pay.

22.40

On middle, Warner works it to mid-wicket.

22.31

This time he ;pushes it past cover and takes one.

22.20

Pushes it through and on off, Marsh pushes it to covers.

22.10

Flatter and on off, this is guided to point.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 162/0

D Warner77 (68)

M Marsh74 (64)

I Ahmed6-0-33-0

21.60

Flatter, a little bit of turn and bounce. Warner pushes it to covers.

21.51

Flatter again and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

21.41

Outside off, Warner pushes it through covers for one.

21.31

Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

21.20

On the pads, Marsh works it to square leg.

21.11

Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 158/0

M Marsh72 (61)

D Warner75 (65)

M Nawaz2-0-13-0

20.66

SIX! Over the fence! Marsh gets the length he likes, Nawaz looks to toss it up but bowls it way too full, this is lofted over the long on fence. That will release the little bit of pressure that was building.

20.50

This is flatter again and on off, Marsh defends.

20.42

A rare loose ball in the last few overs but the fielder does well! That is what Pakistan need. Shorter and outside off, Marsh cuts it past point. The fielder in the deep, runs to his left, dives and keeps it down to two.

20.30

Really good! Flatter and on middle, can't do a lot with that as the length is fine. Marsh defends.

20.21

He gets off strike for now though as he goes back and works it through square leg. Nawaz will be happy about Marsh coming back on strike.

20.10

Another dot! Get a feeling, Warner is going to go after Nawaz here. On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 149/0

M Marsh64 (57)

D Warner74 (63)

I Ahmed5-0-29-0

19.60

Well, Marsh though is happy to play out another one! On middle, Marsh lunges and keeps it out. Just the single from the over.

19.50

Another dot! Something has to give now. Don't think these two will be happy playing ouyt so many dots. This is flatter and on off, it is pushed to mid off.

19.40

Flatter and on the pads, Marsh flicks it to square leg.

19.30

That was risky! Marsh goes back and looks to play one through the off side. It is against the turn and the line is also just around off, he does get bat to ball though as it goes towards cover.

19.20

Flatter and on middle, Marsh works it to mid-wicket.

19.11

Gets the right-hander on strike to the offie does the left-hander. On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 148/0

D Warner73 (62)

M Marsh64 (52)

M Nawaz1-0-4-0

18.61

Tidy from Nawaz to begin with! Infact, two tidy overs in a row for Pakistan. On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

18.51

Just another one! On the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

18.40

Flatter and on off, the length is perfect. Marsh can only defend. This is a quiet passage at the moment. Can Pakistan get a wicket here?

18.31

Nawaz bowls it quicker and on the body, Warner pulls it through square leg for one.

18.21

A single this time! Tossed up on off, this is pushed down to long off for one. Warner is now on strike. He will enjoy facing Nawaz.

18.10

Nawaz comes on! He goes wide of the crease and angles it into middle, Marsh defends. No runs off the bat for the last 7 balls now.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 144/0

D Warner71 (60)

M Marsh62 (48)

I Ahmed4-0-28-0

17.60

It does not! Just the one from the over. Pakistan need a lot more of these if they are to build pressure. Around off, this is guided to point.

17.61wd

WIDE! This one is down the leg side. Wided. Will the extra ball cost Pakistan?

17.50

Make that five! On off, Warner pushes it to cover.

17.40

Four now! Turn and bounce on this one! Shortish and around off, Warner looks to cut but is beaten by the turn and the bounce.

17.30

Three in a row now! Outside off, shorter, Warner waits and guides it to point.

17.20

Two dots in a row! That is a rarity! Not sure though why Iftikhar Ahmed was appealing. On middle, Warner comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of it, he works it to mid-wicket.

17.10

Flatter and on middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 143/0

M Marsh62 (48)

D Warner71 (54)

U Mir4-0-31-0

16.60

The googly to end, it lands on off and spins back in. Defended.

16.51

On the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

16.51wd

WIDE! Down the leg side. Warner looks to sweep but misses.

16.40

On off, Warner plays it to cover.

16.30

Flatter and around off, this is pushed to cover.

16.26

SIX! Just a chip and it sails into the stands! Steps out, gets to the pitch of it and hits it well over the mid-wicket fence.

16.11

Flatter and on off, this is pushed towards cover for one.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 134/0

D Warner64 (50)

M Marsh61 (46)

I Ahmed3-0-27-0

15.60

Dot to end! Flatter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

15.51

Around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

15.40

Tossed up on off, defended.

15.34

FOUR! Lovely placement! We have seen power from this guy but this time it was all about placement! Shorter and around off, Mitchell Marsh stays back and pushes it past cover. This one races away to the fence.

15.21

On middle, tossed up, this is pushed down to long on for one.

15.10

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

DRINKS! This game has been all about the Aussies at the moment! They are bossing it. The openers are off to a flier and if Pakistan do not break it quickly, they might be batted out of the game. Do Pakistan have a hero in them or are the Aussies going to continue to dominate?

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 128/0

M Marsh56 (43)

D Warner63 (47)

U Mir3-0-22-0

14.60

Dot to end! Yet another big over for the Ausses! On middle, Marsh works it to short fine leg.

14.56

SIX! This is out of here! Oh boy! What a hit! Tossed up around off, it is nice and full, Marsh is allowed to get under it and it sails over the long off fence. It is almost out of the ground.

14.40

Flatter and on off, a little bit of turn, defended.

14.31

Tossed up on middle, this is nudged on the leg side for one.

14.21

A little too full and Marsh brings his fifty up! Back-to-back for him. Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

14.11

Tossed up around off, this is pushed towards cover for one.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 119/0

M Marsh49 (39)

D Warner61 (45)

H Rauf3-0-47-0

13.66

SIX! He has picked the bones out of that one! Rauf has gone for 47 in the three overs he has bowled! This is banged in short and on middle, Mitchell Marsh rocks back and nails it over the mid-wicket fence.

13.51

Warner will probably feel he missed out there! On the pads, it is tickled down to fine leg for one.

13.41

Fuller and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

13.31lb

On the pads, David Warner looks to flick but misses, it hits the pad and goes fine on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

13.20

This is a good short one, on middle, evaded.

13.21wd

WIDE! Way too short this time. Wided.

13.16

SIX! Rauf is under massive pressure here! Yet another over of his begins with a boundary! Another gift from him, this is on the pads, it is full, this is whipped over the fine leg fence for another biggie.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 103/0

D Warner54 (41)

M Marsh42 (37)

U Mir2-0-13-0

12.61

Nicely played! Steps out and looks to place it past mid off. Shaheen Afridi runs to his right, dives and keeps it down to one.

12.51

On the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

12.41

Outside off, Warner pushes it past point for one.

12.34

FOUR! This is the problem for Pakistan, they are unable to bowl 6 good deliveries in one over at the moment. A full toss on the pads, Warner whips it past mid-wicket. He brings up his fifty in style. Another top knock from him. He has time to make it a big one here.

12.20

Good from Usama! Slows it up, lands it around middle and gets it to turn back in. Warner looks to defend but misses to get hit high on the pads.

12.10

Turn again! This lands around middle, it turns back in. Warner plays it back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 96/0

M Marsh41 (36)

D Warner48 (36)

H Rauf2-0-32-0

11.60

A lot better from Haris Rauf! Just the 4 runs from the last five balls after going for 28 from the first 7 he bowled. You need to vary your pace on this surface and that is what he does here. A slower one around off, it is defended.

11.50

Around middle, Marsh works it to mid-wicket.

11.41

On the pads, Warner nudges it around the corner and gets to the other end.

11.32

Two more! Full and on the pads, David Warner works it wide of fine leg for two.

11.21

Back of a length and on middle, better, does not offer the batter room, this is worked on the leg side for one.

11.14

FOUR! This is poor from Rauf. He has gone for 28 from the 7 balls he has bowled. Yet another one short and wide outside off, Marsh flays it over point. Another boundary.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 88/0

D Warner45 (34)

M Marsh36 (32)

U Mir1-0-6-0

10.60

Dot to end! Six from Usama Mir's first! On middle, kept out.

10.50

Big turn! This is around middle, it lands and spins back in sharply, hits David Warner on the body. He is taken by surprise. There is some grip in the surface.

10.44

FOUR! Yet another poor ball and it is put away! Short and wide outside off, David Warner cuts it past point. Boundary.

10.31

On the pads, Mitchell Marsh works it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

10.21

Around off, Warner pushes it through covers and takes one.

10.10

Flatter and on off, Warner pushes it to covers.

Powerplay 1 is done! Now Pakistan can have a total of 4 fielders outside the ring till the 40th over. Also, Usama Mir comes on!

Runs Scored 15 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 82/0

M Marsh35 (31)

D Warner40 (29)

I Ahmed2-0-21-0

9.60

A dot to end but the damage was done earlier on in the over. 40 from the last two overs. The last ball is flatter and on the pads, it is worked to mid-wicket.

9.54

FOUR! Nice and fine! It is raining boundaries now! Outside off, flatter, Mitchell Marsh waits and then guides it past short third man. This one races away too. The last two overs have made this a magical Powerplay 1 for the Aussies.

9.44

FOUR! Finds the gap! Marsh is now dealing in boundaries! This is shortish and around off, Marsh waits and then cuts it past point for another one.

9.31

Fuller and on off, this is eased down to long off for one.

9.20

Angled into the pads, David Warner looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads.

9.16

SIX! BANG! Runs are flowing now! This is shorter and on middle, David Warner rocks back and pulls it over the mid-wicket fence. Australia on the charge.

Runs Scored 24 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 67/0

M Marsh27 (28)

D Warner33 (26)

H Rauf1-0-24-0

8.64

FOUR MORE! 24 from Rauf's first and the momentum has completely shifted! Shorter and outside off, all Marsh does is open the face of the bat and guides it past point.

8.54

FOUR! Through the off side. Haris Rauf has been taken apart here. 20 with a ball to go in this over. This is shorter and around off, Mitchell Marsh waits for it and then guides it past point. No chance for the third man fielder who is quite fine.

8.44

FOUR! That is glorious timing! Delightful, 16 from the first 4 balls by Haris Rauf! Fuller and on middle, Mitchell Marsh shows the full face of the bat and times it past the bowler for a boundary.

8.41wd

WIDE! Rauf is all over the place at the moment! He goes short but well down the leg side. Wided.

8.31

Now takes one as he works this towards mid-wicket. Good sensible batting.

8.26

SIX! That is massive! Outrageous! That has hit the roof! Wow! Some hit. David Warner going after Rauf who is under pressure here. This is fuller and around off, David Warner goes down on one knee and heaves it well over the square leg fence for a biggie.

8.14

FOUR! Cut away! That is a poor start from Haris Rauf! Shaheen Afridi was so good from this end but Haris Rauf, has not started well. A loosener. Short and outside off, Warner cuts it over point and it goes to the fence behind.

Haris Rauf comes on now. Extreme pace from one end and spin from the other.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 43/0

M Marsh15 (25)

D Warner22 (23)

I Ahmed1-0-6-0

7.60

Another dot to end a tidy over from Iftikhar Ahmed! Quicker and on middle, Marsh goes back and keeps it out.

7.50

Flatter and on middle, a little bit of turn for Iftikhar Ahmed! Marsh defends. Marsh for now has gone into a shell here.

7.41

On the pads, this is nudged around the corner for one.

7.34

FOUR! This is why you do not offer width to Warner, he loves it there. Threads the gap brilliantly. This is slower but slightly shorter and slightly wider outside off, Warner slaps it past cover and this one races away too.

7.20

Fires it on middle, Warner defends.

7.21wd

Slips this one down the leg side, does not want to offer room but in the process, ends up bowling a wide.

7.10

Flatter and on middle, Warner has a look as he defends it.

Change! Pakistan shift to spin as Iftikhar Ahmed comes on!

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 37/0

M Marsh15 (23)

D Warner17 (19)

S Afridi4-1-14-0

6.60

He does! A maiden from Shaheen, it is just the kind of over his side needed. He has understood what to bowl on this surface. He bowls it on a length, rolls his fingers over it. Marsh blocks.

6.50

Five dots in a row! Slightly shorter this time but cramps Marsh for room, Marsh is happy to play it out. Can he bowl a maiden here? Can he end the over well?

6.40

Relentless stuff! Length again and around off, not offering room too, Marsh guides it to point.

6.30

And again, keeps it away from Marsh as this is bowled on a length, it seems to be a slower one, Mitchell Marsh plays it to point.

6.20

Really good from Shaheen Afridi again! Back of a length again and around off, Mitchell Marsh plays it to point. He is not allowing Marsh to get under one. Keeping it away from him.

6.10

Rolls his fingers over the delivery, bowls it on a length and around off, does get some grip, Mitchell Marsh pushes it to mid off.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 37/0

D Warner17 (19)

M Marsh15 (17)

H Ali3-0-23-0

5.62

Two more to end another good over for the Aussies! Angled into the pads, David works it through square leg for two.

5.54

FOUR! Finds the gap! Do not offer width to Warner, he just loves it and he has put this away! Shorter and outside off, Warner waits and then places it between point and extra cover. Another boundary. Runs continue to flow.

5.40

Going down leg! Warner will feel, he missed out there. This is angled into the pads, David Warner looks to heave it over the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads.

5.30

A good slower one, the slower balls seems to be holding in the surface. This is defended.

5.21

Good length and around off, Mitchell Marsh waits, opens the face of the bat and guides it down to third man for one.

5.21wd

WIDE! This time it is well outside off, swings away further. Another wide. Far too many wides from Pakistan so far.

5.22wd

TWO WIDES! Hasan Ali does not want to give any room, ends up drifting this down the leg side. It swings away from Mohammad Rizwan who does well to get a hand to it. A single and a wide.

5.10

That is very well fielded! Length and around off, David Warner drives it hard but straight to cover.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 27/0

M Marsh14 (16)

D Warner11 (14)

S Afridi3-0-14-0

4.60

Back of a length and on middle, Mitchell Marsh stays back and defends it. End of an over which should have had a wicket in it but ends up going for 5 runs.

4.54

FOUR! That is hammered! This will hurt Shaheen Afridi, he should have had a wicket two deliveries ago but now is hit for a boundary. This is short and outside off, Marsh slashes and it goes past point for a boundary.

4.41

On middle, David Warner works it wide of mid on and gets to the other end.

4.30

DROPPED! How has that been dropped? That should have been taken! Usama Mir, the one who is making his debut in the World Cup, is the culprit. Not how you want to start after being picked into the side. This could be a massive miss. A short one outside off, David Warner looks to pull, this goes off the top edge towards mid on. Usama Mir gets under it but spills it.

4.20

Really good from Shaheen Afridi! After that biggie hit off him, he has pulled his length back and not let the batters free their arms. Back of a length and around off, this is played to cover.

4.10

Back of a length and around off, Warner blocks.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 22/0

M Marsh10 (14)

D Warner10 (10)

H Ali2-0-13-0

3.64

FOUR! That will release all the pressure that was built on him! A poor delivery. Width on offer and way too short, Mitchell Marsh cracks it past point. It races away. That is a very expensive over. Pakistan continue to leak runs in the Powerplay.

3.50

Hasan Ali bowls a slower one, it seems to have held in the surface. Marsh defends again. Pressure building on Marsh, he has been dotted up here.

3.40

Yet another dot for Marsh! On middle, Marsh works it to mid-wicket.

3.31

Length and around off, Warner pushes it towards cover and takes one.

3.20

Better! Corrects his line and lands it on middle, Warner defends.

3.16

SIX! Over the fence! That is a poor ball to begin with! On the pads, the length was not the problem but the line was, it is on the pads, David Warner just whips it over the fine leg fence for his first biggie. This is a good start for the Aussies and this track looks a wonderful one to bat on.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 11/0

M Marsh6 (11)

D Warner3 (7)

S Afridi2-0-9-0

2.60

That is a good comeback from Shaheen Afridi after an expensive first over! He did not get very full this time, the last ball too is a back of a length delivery, Marsh defends it.

2.50

Three dots in a row to Marsh now! Good stuff, keeping it away from the hitting arc! Length again and around off, this is played towards cover.

2.40

And again, this is on a length and around off, Mitchell Marsh plays it towards point but no run taken.

2.30

Better! On a good length and around middle, Mitchell Marsh blocks it.

2.21

Slightly shorter, Warner pushes it wide of mid off for one. He needs to go a little bit fuller, this one was quite short, easy for Warner.

2.21wd

WIDE! Slips this one down the leg side. Tries to swing it back in but it is one down the leg side. Wided.

2.10

Back of a length this time and around off, David Warner hops and guides it to point. Good bounce on this wicket.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 9/0

M Marsh6 (7)

D Warner2 (5)

H Ali1-0-2-0

1.60

A really good over from Hasan Ali! The last ball is on a length and just outside off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone.

1.50

Good delivery! The sucker ball, Hasan is getting some swing as he goes full, it shapes away. Mitchell Marsh goes for the big booming drive but misses.

1.51wd

WIDE! Way too wide this time. This is also short. Mitchell Marsh did go after it. He could not reach it. Wided.

1.40

Good four deliveries to begin with! On a length and around off, this is guided to point.

1.30

Good from Hasan Ali, attacks the stumps, cramps the batter for room, Mitchell Marsh defends.

1.21

Back of a length and on off, Warner pushes it towards cover and takes one.

1.10

Hasan Ali to bowl from the other end! Good length and on middle, defended.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 7/0

M Marsh6 (3)

D Warner1 (3)

S Afridi1-0-7-0

0.60

A dot to end but that is a lovely first over for the Aussies! Shaheen Afridi drags his length back and lands it on off, defended.

0.56

SIX! That is some shot! That is a serious shot to get off the mark! Shaheen goes full again, Marsh is ready for it. He does not plant his front foot across and then just lofts it over the long off fence for a glorious maximum. First of the game.

0.40

That is off the pad! Shaheen Afridi yet again got excited but it did not last for long! Goes full and gets it to tail back in. It is a little too straight, Mohammad Rizwan dives to his left and takes it. Encouraging signs for Shaheen.

0.31

Australia and Warner are underway! Length and around off, yet again a little bit of away movement. Warner initially looks to play it but then tries to leave it, it goes off the outer half down to third man for one.

0.20

That is a beauty! This starts around off, it lands and moves away. David Warner is beaten all ends up as he tries to defend. Pakistan need Shaheen Afridi to begin well here. He has not been at his best with the new ball.

Action straightaway! A loud appeal but turned down but Pakistan review. It just seems a little bit too high. Also, there is a massive inside edge!

0.10

NOT OUT! Pakistan lose a review on the very first ball! THERE IS A MASSIVE INSIDE EDGE! That was a poor review to be honest. Just never looked out. This is on a length and around middle, David Warner walks ahead and looks to defend, it goes off the inside edge and onto the pads. That just seemed a desperate review.

Done with the Natonal Anthems and it is time for the game to begin! Pakistan are in a huddle and now they make their way out to the middle. So do the Aussie openers, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh! Shaheen Afridi to begin with the first new ball. Two slips in place. Here we go...

It is time for the National Anthems! Out walk the players. Pakistan will sing first and then it will be Australia's turn!

Australia (PLAYING XI) - David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

Pakistan (PLAYING XI) - Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Usama Mir (IN FOR Shadab Khan), Mohammad Nawaz, Hassan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.

Pat Cummins says they wanted to bowl first but now hopes to bat well. States they want to play the same way they played against Sri Lanka. Informs they have the same side.

Babar Azam says they would try and take early wickets. States they have had a good practice session and are confident heading into this game. Adds they were not upto the mark in the last game but will look to do well here. Informs they have one change - Usama Mir comes in place of Shadab Khan.

TOSS - Pakistan have won the toss and ELECTED TO FIELD!

PITCH REPORT - Ian Bishop says there have not been a lot of ODIs played here in recent times. Adds the dimensions are not that big and the average score here is around 300. Shane Watson says it seems a good wicket and it is rock hard. Reckons the pacers will get some zip but there might not be purchase for the spinners. Adds dew might play a role and that might influence the decision at the toss.

Pakistan on the other hand, started the tournament brilliantly! They beat the Dutch quite convincingly and then chased a mammoth total against the Lankans. However, they endured a tough game against the Indians. It was a defeat which could easily break their morale. A lot of character has to be shown by their players, especially the senior ones if they are to comeback strong. They are well and truly capable of it but face a stiff task ahead. Can they get back to winning ways? We will find out.

The Aussies have not had the best of starts, they lost their opening encounter but the good thing for them is, they head into this game after winning their last one. Also, if that win wasn't enough, South Africa's loss to Netherlands and England's to Afghanistan surely must have boosted their morale. They will be pretty eager to make it two in two. These two also played a practice game before the major event in which the Aussies were the ones who came out as winners. The Australians usually come to life when it matters and we expect nothing different from them here.

It is time for game number 18 of this year's 50-over World Cup and it is a big one, two sides, who were tipped by many to make it into the top 4, collide. It is the Aussies taking on Pakistan and it is being played in Bengaluru. It is the first game at this venue and we expect it to be an absolute cracker. With all the excitement, we welcome you to the coverage.

... MATCH DAY ...

A World Cup in any sport is incomplete without upsets, and the 2023 ODI World Cup is no different, with England and South Africa suffering shock defeats at the hands of Afghanistan and the Netherlands, respectively. These upsets make the competition even fiercer, and the stakes in big games become even higher. It is time for another big game in this World Cup as Australia take on Pakistan at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. A potential mouth-watering clash between two quality sides will mark the arrival of cricket's biggest carnival in India's Garden City, Bengaluru. The five-time champions, Australia, were off to the worst possible start with back-to-back losses but bounced back in the third game against Sri Lanka to collect their first points of the competition. A fighting display in the second half of their bowling effort helped them bowl out Sri Lanka for a modest total. In their pursuit of 210, the fifties from Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis, along with contributions from the rest of the middle order, sealed the deal for them. Australia had failed to breach the 200-run mark on consecutive occasions, and no batter had managed to score a fifty until the game against Sri Lanka. Having managed to cross both hurdles, Australia's batting unit will be confident ahead of the clash against Pakistan. However, their batting mainstays, David Warner and Steven Smith, have not had the impact they would have liked and will be eager to contribute to the team's cause with a big score. Mitchell Marsh returned to form with a fifty, as did Josh Inglis, justifying his selection in the team ahead of Alex Carey. Out of the many positives from that 5-wicket win, Adam Zampa's four-wicket haul will be the biggest of them all. In the post-match interview, Zampa said that he was suffering from back spasms before and during the game, and the Aussie fans will hope that the back holds up alright for their premier spinner. On the other hand, Pakistan's World Cup campaign hit a roadblock after suffering a crushing defeat to arch-rivals India in Ahmedabad. With two out of two wins, Pakistan were high on confidence, but a collapse of epic proportions with the bat meant that the elusive wait for the first win against India in ODI World Cups continued. It will not be easy for Babar Azam and Co. to put that loss behind them, and to add to their misery, illness has hit the Pakistan camp. What will come as a relief for Pakistan fans, though, is that two of their flu-affected players, Abdullah Shafique and Shaheen Afridi, returned to the training session that took place two days before the game. The silver lining for Pakistan against India was that Babar Azam's low run of ODI scores finally came to an end, and he will be keen to build on his form in the games to follow. With the ball, their new-ball attack of Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali lacked the cutting edge, as did Haris Rauf. In the spin department, Shadab Khan continued to prove expensive, while Mohammad Nawaz was slightly economical compared to his compatriot. If Pakistan are to pose a tough challenge to other teams, their bowlers will have to take their game up a notch. Out of the ten ODI World Cup meetings between these two sides, Australia have emerged victorious on six occasions. Will they extend their dominance? Or will Pakistan pull one back? We will find out soon enough.