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Australia emerged victorious against Pakistan in a thrilling 18th match of the ODI World Cup 2023. The clash took place at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and saw the Aussie side outshine Pakistan in all departments.
Australian batters unleash carnage on Pakistan’s bowling unit
Australia’s batters put on a masterclass in power hitting, amassing an imposing total of 367/9 in their allotted 50 overs. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh were the stars of the show with blistering centuries. Warner’s explosive 163 off 124 balls, featuring fourteen fours and nine sixes, set the tone for Australia. Marsh complemented him with a well-constructed 121 off 108 deliveries, including ten fours and nine sixes. The other contributions came from Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, and Marcus Stoinis, all playing their parts in ensuring Australia reached a formidable total.
Shaheen Afridi’s fightback and resilience
Shaheen Afridi was the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming five wickets for 54 runs in his ten overs. Haris Rauf also chipped in with three crucial scalps but was relatively expensive, conceding 83 runs in his eight overs.
Also READ: Security person at M Chinnaswamy stadium asks Pakistan fan not to chant ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ – PAK vs AUS
Pakistan batters show grit but fail to get their team over the line
Chasing a daunting target, Pakistan showed resilience and determination in their innings but ultimately fell short. Imam ul Haq top-scored with 70 runs off 71 balls, supported by Abdullah Shafique‘s 64 and Mohammad Rizwan‘s 46. However, the required run rate continued to rise, and Pakistan lost wickets at crucial intervals. Adam Zampa was the pick of the Australian bowlers, scalping four wickets for 53 runs in his ten overs.
In the end, Australia’s brilliant performance with both the bat and the ball secured them a 62-run victory over Pakistan. Although Pakistan displayed great spirit, they couldn’t quite match the firepower of the Australian team.
With this win, Australia registered their second win in four games after a disastrous start in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Warner was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for his sensational hundred.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Australia are back in this World Cup but lots of questions confront Pakistan. Warner, Marsh, Zampa, Hazlewood the big gainers. The form of Starc a major concern. For Pakistan, the form of Babar, the lack of wickets for the new ball and the continuing problems with spin.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 20, 2023
This is more like the Australia we know. Warner and Marsh were outstanding with the bat but Zampa's performance would hearten Aus fans more. Need your lead spinner firing to go all the way. #PAKvAUS #CWC2023 pic.twitter.com/5DXpQUlwu0
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) October 20, 2023
Hero of the match, The nightmare of Actor Rizwan and Pakistan. #PAKvsAUS pic.twitter.com/ZDYwHUaqjP
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) October 20, 2023
AUSTRALIA HAVE DEFEATED PAKISTAN BY 62 RUNS…!!! pic.twitter.com/VIRFau46AT
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 20, 2023
Pakistan has lost to India & Australia in consecutive games. pic.twitter.com/B2AlF14c4a
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 20, 2023
Pakistan needed their best players to stand up today. Shaheen did it with the ball. Five wickets @ 5.5 rpo in a 367 run game. Well done 👏
Unfortunately, Babar had another middling game. Even though Australia hasn’t looked as solid as they generally are…they’ve stitched two…— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 20, 2023
Australia has announced itself.Two wins now.The Cup needed this.The fight for the last two spots heats up here.Pakistan was good in bits and pieces but the target was too much. Much improved version of Pak though,compared to first 3 matches #AUSvsPAK #PAKvsAUS #ICCWorldCup2023
— Kartik (@kartikw18) October 20, 2023
Great performance by both Australia and Pakistan and I enjoyed both inings as well. Now there will be one debate over pak zindabad. i have one question for neighbours, will u allow anyone in your nation to chant hindustan zindabad. What will be your answer.#AUSvsPAK
— Aashishsyan27 (@aashishsyan27) October 20, 2023
The difference between Australia and Pakistan today was fielding & Babar Azam Captaincy.#PAKvsAUS #AUSvPAK
— Aladeen (@chalhattbeyee) October 20, 2023
"Hard luck for Team Pakistan in today's match against Australia! 💔 It's disheartening to see Babar Azam, one of our key players, underperforming in crucial encounters. 😞 We need him to shine in important matches! 🌟 #PakistanCricket #CWC2023 #BabarAzam #BetterLuckNextTime"
— Unknown To Himself (@uthimself) October 20, 2023
