ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023’s Warm-up match between Pakistan and Australia is being played today at Hyderabad. Earlier in the day, Pat Cummins tried his batters to open their shoulders after winning the coin-battle against Pakistani bowlers and his crew set a huge total of 351/7 in 50 overs. Maxwell, Warner and Green were the men to watch who lifted Australia to the driving seat.
Two left-arm Pakistani openers: Imam ul Haq and Fakhar Zaman came into the middle for breaking the shackles and setting the tone for Pakistan. Mitchell Stark and Pat Cummins open the bowling for Australia to defend 351 in the practice game against Pakistan.
Pakistani openers were off to a flying start as they managed 35 in 5 the 2nd innings against Australia. After that Cummins removed Imam and Fakhar was trapped by Maxwel. Both openers joined the dugout leaving the team in the lurch in the 7th over when team’s total was only 44.
Pakistan scored 59 for 2 in their first power play. While Cummins and Maxwell getting one wicket each. Pakistan needed 293 in next 40 overs to clinch the victory at the required rate of 7.33 with 8 wickets in hand.
The start of the 2nd power play was either not handsome for PCT. Abdullah Shafique miscued the ball which fell into Warner’s hands. Next Came Skipper Shadab to tickle the scorecard but he went back to the pavillion after scoring only 9 off 8. Paksitan were 83/4 at the end of 15.
Babar Azam who was rested today couldn’t resist himself spending some time in the middle with Iftikhar. Pakistan’s intent of chasing down the big total lacked right from the start of the innings in this warm-up game against AUS.
Pakistan posted 100 runs on scorecard in 20 overs at RR of 5 with Babar and Iftikhar on crease. They required 252 in 30 overs with the required rate of 8.4 with six wickets in hand.
Babar Azam and Iftikhar both took their time to follow the chase under light. On the other hand, unlike Pakistan fielding, Australian gave their 100% to save boundaries and grab catches. They took Pakistan from 83/4 in 15 overs to 142/4 at the end of 25 overs.
Iftikhar Ahmed hit a boundary to bring up his half century in some style on 67 deliveries. His cameo included four 4s and two 6s. Both of them broght 100 run stand in just 76 balls. Meanwhile Babar Azam completed his fifty in 36 balls striking at 147.
The sensible batting from both ends brought up 200 in the 30th over of the innings and bring back Pakistan right back into the game. Babar Azam got some spirit from Chris Gayle and took on bowlers in his own style. At the end of 30 overs Pakistan were 212/4 requiring 140 in last 20 at RRR of 7.
Both batters shifted gears and paced the innings to meet the requirement of the chase. But, Iftikhar misread the length ball and ended in falling on 227 in the 32nd over on Labuschagne’s ball. He made 83 off 85 with six 4s and four 6s.
Pakistan required another 125 in the last 18 overs with 5 wickets in hand. Australian skipper offered part timers to drag the innings in the 2nd power play so that they could pull back in the last 10 overs. Babar’s crew past 250 mark in the 36 overs and Pakistan required 97 on 84 balls.
Babar got retired hurt at 255 after scoring 90 off 59 with handsome strike rate of 152. His excellent knock included eleven 4s and two 6s leaving his team to chase down the remaining target when asking rate was under 7. The newcomer, Agha, again disappointed with his out of form struggle and never got benefit from last few overs. Pakistan required 83 more in the last 12 overs to clinch the victory over Australia.
In brief, Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed were the top performers from Pakistan side who scored 90 and 83 respectively pushing Pakistan closer and both played brilliantly hitting 23 boundaries together. Pakistan collected 218 at the loss of 4 wickets at the rate of 7.27 r/o. From Australia, it was Labuschagne, who took 2 wickets giving away 72 in his 8 overs. Pakistan were 277/6 at the end of the 2nd power play (11-40) requiring another 75 in the final 10.
