DUBAI: The second semifinal played at the Dubai Cricket Stadium sure did bring fireworks along as the two cricketing powerhouses – Pakistan and Australia – locked horns with each other here on Thursday. Australia won the toss and decided to field first.
Pakistan got off to a good start with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan putting on yet another 50-stand for the team. Babar was caught at deep midwicket at the 10th over mark off Adam Zampa. Pakistan got bogged down in the middle over courtesy some disciplined bowling by the Aussies before Rizwan launched attack on the Australian bowling attack.
Rizwan scored yet another half century with Fakhar Azam also registering a 50 against his name. Pakistan scored 176 at the loss of four wickets in their 20 overs. Australia, in reply, got off to a shaky start as Shaheen Afridi trapped the Australian captain Aaron Finch in front for LBW. However, David Warner and Mitchel Marsh counterattacked the Pakistani bowling line up before losing the plot in the middle.
It all came down to the wire in the end, with Australia needing 62 off the last 30. Australia’s Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade put on a show and hit the Pakistani bowlers all around the park who struggled to stage any late comeback. By the time, the 19th over of the innings began, Australia only needed 22 before.
Wade, in an attempt to hit Shaheen out of the park, hit the ball towards deep midwicket where Hassan Ali dropped the catch. Wade then hit Shaheen for three boundaries and finished the game with one over spare. Matthew Wade was named Man of the Match for his match winning knock of 41 not out off 17.
Australia will now face New Zealand in the final of the T20 World Cup on Sunday.
