Australia secured a much-needed 62-run victory over Pakistan in the 18th match of the ICC World Cup. The win was crucial for Australia, which had lost its first two games in the tournament. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh played outstanding innings, both scoring centuries to help Australia post a formidable total of 367 runs while batting first. Adam Zampa, the star spinner, then took four wickets to seal the win for the five-time champions.
Pakistan's standings suffered after suffering back-to-back defeats. Having won the toss, Babar Azam decided to bowl first. Usama Mir took Shadab Khan's place in Pakistan's starting lineup, which was a huge shift. Australia, on the other hand, didn't change.
Warner and Marsh provided a flying start for Australia, adding 259 runs for the opening wicket in just 33.5 overs. Marsh scored his maiden World Cup hundred, making 121 runs off 108 balls, while Warner stole the limelight with a massive 163 runs off 124 balls, his fifth ODI World Cup century. Pakistan made a comeback in the closing overs, with Shaheen Afridi claiming his second five-wicket haul in the World Cup. Haris Rauf also took three wickets to restrict Australia from reaching a 400-plus total.
In the chase, Pakistan's openers Abdullah Shafiuqe and Imam-ul-Haq provided a solid start, adding 134 runs for the opening wicket in just 21 overs. Imam top-scored with 70 off 71 balls, and Shafiuqe contributed 64 runs. However, Marcus Stoinis dismissed both openers, putting Australia back in control. Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed tried to revive Pakistan's innings, but Zampa's four-wicket haul and Pat Cummins' two wickets ensured Pakistan was bowled out for 305 runs in 45.3 overs.
Image Source : ESPNcricinfo
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