COLOMBO – Pakistan secures top position in Group ‘A’ after a convincing victory against defending champions Australia by 4 wickets at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Asad Shafiq (46) and Umar Akmal (44*) played good enough knock to lead Pakistan to a morale booster win; especially the innings from youngster Asad Shafiq was the core of Pakistan batting. He got involved in three good partnerships, with Kamran Akmal (23), Younis Khan (31) and Umar Akmal, after coming to bat one-down on just 12 on the board. Abdul Razzaq also got a chance to open his arms a bit in the last moments. He made 20 runs off 24 balls and played the winning shot for Pakistan.
Interesting fact about this specific match is that last time Australia lost to Pakistan in ’99 World Cup and then after a long streak of victories he again fell to same opponent in 2011 edition. Australia lost a world cup match after 11 year, 9 months and 24 days.
Earlier, Australia won the toss and elected to bat first but Umar Gul made early in-roads cleaning up inform Shane Watson on just 12 on the board. Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, who is having a bad run of his form, was reviewed as caught behind on the bowling of Muhammad Hafeez. Kamran Akmal grabbed a stunning catch standing very close to stumps. Umpire declared Ponting not out but Pakistan opted for a review and camera showed that a thick edge off the Ponting’s bat caught brilliantly by Akmal. Brad Haddin was also out caught behind off Wahab Riaz.
Astralia lost last 6 wickets for adding just 42 runs. Umar Akmal picked up three wickets and Abdul Razzaq grabbed two; while every other bowler who bowled today, including Shahid Afridi, Muhammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz and Abdul Rehman; got one wicket each.
Pakistan is now placed on the number one spot of the Group ‘A’ and will play their quarterfinal (first of four) on Wednesday (March 23) against the fourth placed team of Group ‘B’; which might be England, West Indies or India. The first quarterfinal will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka.
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