Highlights, Australia vs Pakistan, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match, Full Cricket Score: Warner, Cummins star in Australia's win

Aaron Finch, Australia captain: They certainly took it close. It’s always tough when you’ve got guys like Hasan and Wahab coming out and swinging. When they get on a roll it can be tough to stop. Disappointing we didn’t bat out 50 overs, when you go in with an extra better. We probably tried to go too hard too early and ended up 20-30 runs short. But great we still got the two points despite not finishing off.

Sarfaraz, Pakistan captain: Definitely very disappointing. Lost three wickets in 15 balls from 140/3,  and that’s why we lost the match. Hasan Ali batted well, I batted well. Definately, we conceded too many runs at the start of the innings expect Amir other bowlers didn’t bowl really well, After 20 overs we came back really hard. For me this was a 270-280 pitch. Unfortunately we didn’t score big runs. India vs Pakistan big match, we will try our best.

David Warner, MoM: We must credit Pakistan for the way they bowled, they made it hard for us to drive down the ground. They gave me no width, I had to adapt and there was a bit of movement early on. It means a lot to me to get a hundred.

David Warner is Man of the Match for his knock of 107

Full credit to Aaron Finch for this captaincy. He could have easily held Starc back, but opted for the attacking option and it has paid dividends. Two wickets in one over ensured Australia win comfortably.  Australia haven’t been at the best at this tournament, but are still finding a way to win.

Australia beat Pakistan by 41 runs!

Pakistan bowled out for 266! After 46 overs,Pakistan 266/10 ( Shaheen Afridi 1 , )

OUT! Sarfaraz run out (Maxwell) 40(48) 

Pakistan’s resistance has come to an end with skipper Sarfaraz getting run out as they get bowled out for 266. Australia take home a 41-run win.

After 45 overs,Pakistan 266/9 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 40 , Shaheen Afridi 1)

Starc has poured cold water on whatever hopes Pakistan had. Got Riaz out with faintest of nicks. The ball straightened a bit as Riaz looked beaten but keeper and bowler were interested after it was given not out. Finch finally took a review and there was some spike on UltraEdge. Starc removed Amir immediately as he chopped the yorker onto his stumps. Shaheen Afridi has come out to bat now.

WICKET! Amir b Starc 0(2)

The strike bowler Starc strikes and the match is almost over for Pakistan. Starc went for a yorker as Amir inside edged it onto the stumps.

OUT! Riaz c Carey b Starc 45(39)

Massive moment in the game. Faint edge does the job for Australia. Starc got the ball to go past Riaz’s bat. Looked innocuous but the keeper and bowler were excited. Finch finally decided to go for a review and replays showed there’s some spike on UltraEdge.

After 44 overs,Pakistan 263/7 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 39 , Wahab Riaz 45)

Riaz steered the full toss on first ball to third man to complete a tight double. Had to dive in the end to be safe. Six off the over. Riaz is batting pretty well, middling his shots. 45 more needed.

Pakistan need to play this smartly, Starc has two overs left out of the last seven. Cummins is done, so a lot rests on Richardson, Coultner-Nile and one over from Maxwell. Wahab has played brilliantly and Sarfaraz has to be there at the end. Richardson does bowl a lot at the death in the BBL and death over specialist.

After 43 overs,Pakistan 257/7 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 37 , Wahab Riaz 41)

Riaz’s onslaught has forced Finch to go back to his strike bowler, Starc. The pacer didn’t really trouble the duo much with the partnership now standing at 57. Three off the over. 51 more needed.

After 42 overs,Pakistan 254/7 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 36 , Wahab Riaz 39)

Wahab Riaz is playing an important cameo here with Sarafraz rotating the strike. The crowd has found its voice back. NCN back into attack. Bowled a slower ball into the slot as Riaz smoked that over cow corner for a six. 10 runs added. 54 more needed.

SIX! That was put into the slot by NCN and Riaz crashed the over cow corner without breaking a sweat

After 41 overs,Pakistan 244/7 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 34 , Wahab Riaz 31)

Maxwell back into attack and Pakistan are back into the game. 14 off the over. Maxwell began with a tossed up ball as the thick inside edge ran past the wicket for a four. Next ball was also a looping one and Riaz crashed that over long on for a six. 64 more needed.

SIX! Flighted delivery from Maxwell and Riaz gets the perfect connect this time to smoke it over long-on

FOUR! Thick inside edge but that runs past the wicket to to the fence. Riaz was really lucky there

After 40 overs,Pakistan 230/7 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 32 , Wahab Riaz 19)

Cummins into his last over. Finds Sarfaraz’s outside edge on first ball but it runs down to third man for a single. Two off the over. Cummins finishes with figures of 10-0-33-3. 78 more needed.

After 39 overs,Pakistan 228/7 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 31 , Wahab Riaz 18)

NCN replaces Starc into attack. A busy over for Pakistan. Few singles and a double before Riaz slapped the short ball over cow corner for a maximum. 11 off the over. 78 more needed.

SIX! This one was slapped. Short ball from NCN and Riaz got into the position early to thrash it over cow corner

After 38 overs,Pakistan 217/7 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 29 , Wahab Riaz 9)

Cummins continues as well. Got the first ball to nip back in as the inside edge off Sarfaraz’s bat went onto the thigh before rolling down to slips. Three off the over.

After 37 overs,Pakistan 214/7 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 27 , Wahab Riaz 8)

Starc continues. Riaz spotted a full delivery and went for a powerful drive as the outside edge flew past Smith in slips for a four. Seven off the over

FOUR! Riaz threw everything behind that shot as Starc bowled a fuller delivery. Outside edge but it raced past the slip fielder

After 36 overs,Pakistan 207/7 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 25 , Wahab Riaz 3)

Cummins also now called back into attack. Just two from the over. Sarfaraz still hanging in there. Let’s see what he can do.

After 35 overs,Pakistan 205/7 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 24 , Wahab Riaz 2)

Starc called back into attack by Finch. Five off the over. Australia want to wrap this match soon. Pakistan not left with too many people to do the job now. Disappointing batting display today.

After 34 overs,Pakistan 200/7 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 21 , Wahab Riaz 0)

The defiance of Hasan Ali is over. He got two fours before departing . Played a beautiful cover drive off a half-volley before slamming the short ball over covers. Richardson stuck with short length but Hasan couldn’t find the connect as the top-edge off a pull shot flew to fine leg fielder. Wahab Riaz now joins Sarfaraz. 200 up for Pakistan. They need 108 more.

OUT! Hasan Ali c Khawaja b K Richardson 32(15)

The cameo is over. Richardson went short again. Hasan Ali went with the pull shot again but the connect was missing as the top-edge was taken at fine leg.

FOUR! Another brilliant shot! A bit of width on offer, it was short and Hasan Ali slammed it over covers

FOUR! Fuller delivery from Richardson. Hasan waited for the ball to come onto the bat as he drilled it through extra cover

After 33 overs,Pakistan 191/6 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 20 , Hassan Ali 24)

Nobody today hit the shots as good as Hasan Ali is doing at the moment. Maxwell bowled one on middle, short of length and Hasan crashed that over long-on for a six. Nine of the over. Some good entertainment for the crowd. Pakistan would want him to stay there for long.

SIX! Another cracking shot from Hasan Ali. Maxwell put one short on middle as the batsman crashed it over long-on

After 32 overs,Pakistan 182/6 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 18 , Hassan Ali 17)

Hasan Ali has decided to counter-attack. He sees no logic in hanging back, so he went with a pull shot as Richardson bowled shot. And the slap shot was placed into stands behind square leg. The next full delivery was crashed over long-on. 14 off the over.

SIX! Another maximum. This time Hasan Ali went down the ground. The delivery was full as the batsman played the cracking shot

SIX! Excellent shot. Richardson opted for the bouncer and Hasan Ali slapped that over deep square leg

After 31 overs,Pakistan 168/6 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 17 , Hassan Ali 5)

Hasan Ali has come out to bat. Also, Maxwell is back into attack. Ali went for an inside out cut off a half-tracker but the outside edge flew past the keeper for a four. Eight off the over.

FOUR! Hasan Ali went inside out for a cut but the outside edge went past the keeper to the third man fence

After 30 overs,Pakistan 160/6 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 15 , )

The horrible day comes to end for Asif Ali. Richardson hit the hard length again but this became big on the batsman who was in a hurry to fend it off but edged it to the keeper. Five off the over.

WICKET! Asif Ali c Carey b K Richardson 5(8)

Cross seam delivery from the hard length does the job for Richardson. It kicked up on its way to Asif Ali who was hurried in his shot. Tried to cut it fine but ended up edging it to the keeper.

After 29 overs,Pakistan 155/5 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 11 , Asif Ali 4)

Another over for Finch! He’s more confident of his bowling than that of Maxwell. Asif Ali had a horrible day in the field today, let’s us see what the explosive batsman can do with the bat. Six off the over.

After 28 overs,Pakistan 151/5 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 9 , Asif Ali 2)

Pakistan took a risk on the first ball as Sarfaraz called for a single with a drop at covers. Warner was quick as lighting with his shy at the stumps but he couldn’t find the direct hit and Malik survived. Not for long though as Cummins got one to move back in to cut the batsman into half. The inside edge was taken by Carey who dived to his left. Pakistan in deep trouble now.

OUT! Shoaib Malik c Carey b Pat Cummins 0(2)

Pakistan in deep trouble now. They are five down. Has the collapse begun? Cummins got the ball to move back in to cut Malik into half as the inside edge was taken by Carey by diving to his left.

After 27 overs,Pakistan 146/4 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 8 , )

Another soft dismissal for Pakistan. This time Hafeez gives away his wicket. A big loss for Pakistan. Went to thrash the full toss from Finch over cow corner but lost control on the shot as it went to Cummins in the deep. Sarfaraz got a four on the first ball with a sweep shot while Carey also missed a stumping chance.

OUT! Hafeez c Starc b Finch 46(49)

Another soft dismissal! The Finch experiment has worked. It was a full toss and that should have been crashed out of the park but Hafeez failed to control his shot and played it to mid-wicket fielder.

FOUR! Tossed up ball and Sarfaraz makes the most of it as he gets down on his knees to play the sweep shot to perfection

After 26 overs,Pakistan 139/3 ( Mohammad Hafeez 45 , Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 2)

Just when Pakistan looked in complete control, Imam threw away his wicket. Tried going after a legside short ball and ended up gloving it to the keeper. Skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed comes to the middle and gets off the mark with a shot on leg. Three off the over.

Imam-Ul-Haq becomes the third Pakistan batsmen to perish to the short ball. Cummins was brought into the attack to get the wicket and gets the break through. A lack of game sense by Imam, he could easily seen Cummins’ spell off. There was no need to take any risks, Pakistan have this game under control.

OUT! Imam c Carey b Pat Cummins 53(75)

Imam, what have you done! He throws away his wicket with a soft dismissal. It was pitched short and on leg. The ball would have gone for a wide but Imam went for a pull shot and gloved it to the keeper.

After 25 overs,Pakistan 136/2 ( Imam-ul-Haq 53 , Mohammad Hafeez 44)

NCN got Hafeez to edge one but it went wide of slip as Cummins had to put in a dive to cut off a boundary. Imam brings up his 6th ODI fifty with a drive down the ground for a four.

FIFTY! FOUR! A top innings for Imam on a tough pitch. Reaches to the milestone with a big drive down the ground.

After 24 overs,Pakistan 128/2 ( Imam-ul-Haq 48 , Mohammad Hafeez 41)

Cummins returns to the attack. Just two from the over as he got one to zip through Imam, beating the batsman who went for a late cut.

After 23 overs,Pakistan 126/2 ( Imam-ul-Haq 47 , Mohammad Hafeez 40)

Run out opportunity on the first ball but Lyon failed to find the direct hit at non-striker’s end. However, replays showed Imam was easily in. Five off the over.

After 22 overs,Pakistan 121/2 ( Imam-ul-Haq 45 , Mohammad Hafeez 37)

Starc has failed to find the spark so far. Gave a dolly to Imam with a wide, short delivery that was put away with a cut past backward point. Six off the over.

FOUR! Starc for asking for that with the wide, short delivery as Imam agreed with the bowler to slam it past backward point

After 21 overs,Pakistan 115/2 ( Imam-ul-Haq 40 , Mohammad Hafeez 36)

NCN is also back into attack. Two loose deliveries in the over. Went short with Imam coming down the track but it went down leg for a wide. Another wide bowled on the off. Five from the over.

After 20 overs,Pakistan 110/2 ( Imam-ul-Haq 39 , Mohammad Hafeez 34)

And Starc is back into attack for Australia to find that spark. The first ball opens up Imam but the leading edge runs down to third man for a single. Hafeez gets a single with a swat to mid-wicket. Plus a wide delivery.

After 19 overs,Pakistan 107/2 ( Imam-ul-Haq 38 , Mohammad Hafeez 33)

We are back after the drinks break and Pakistan add 10 in the over. Five single, a wide and a four. Imam slammed the wide and short ball to deep backward square leg for a four. Aussies need to find some spark here.

FOUR! Poor delivery. Back of length and there was width as Richardson slashed it to deep backward point

After 18 overs,Pakistan 97/2 ( Imam-ul-Haq 31 , Mohammad Hafeez 31)

A lot of intent shown in this over of Maxwell. All of that coming from Hafeez. He applied the slog sweep to find a boundary through deep square leg before slamming a tossed up delivery over the bowler’s head. 14 off the over. Time for drinks break.

SIX! Tossed up delivery from Maxwell on the off is smoked down the ground by Hafeez, who came out of his crease, for a maximum

FOUR! Hafeez finds the gap on leg. Went with a slog sweep against Maxwell as it went for a one bounce four at square leg.

After 17 overs,Pakistan 83/2 ( Imam-ul-Haq 30 , Mohammad Hafeez 18)

Richardson returns to attack. Imam went for a single with a drop at mid-on, tight attempt but the fielder missed the direct hit. That brought Hafeez on strike as he creamed a fuller delivery from Richardson through the gap on off for a boundary.  Seven off the over.

FOUR! Hafeez punches the overpithced delivery from Richardson through the gap on the off for a boundary

After 16 overs,Pakistan 76/2 ( Imam-ul-Haq 29 , Mohammad Hafeez 12)

No attacking intent in this over of Maxwell at least. Imam got a single with a drive on off as Hafeez pushed one down the ground for another single.

Australia still keeping two slips in place and Finch is constantly looking for wickets. Coulter-Nile outsmarted Babar Azam with that wicket, he had not bowled a bouncer to him until the wicket ball. Pakistan will be ruing the fact that they have lost two wickets to harmless deliveries.

After 15 overs,Pakistan 74/2 ( Imam-ul-Haq 28 , Mohammad Hafeez 11)

NCN continues. Five off the over. Three singles and a double for Hafeez with a pull to mid-wicket.

After 14 overs,Pakistan 69/2 ( Imam-ul-Haq 26 , Mohammad Hafeez 8)

Maxwell did well on his first five deliveries but the Hafeez decided to shimmy out on the last ball to slice it over cover for a four. Pakistan will look to target Maxwell here.

FOUR! Hafeez came out of his crease to reach to the ball as he sliced it over cover for a boundary

After 13 overs,Pakistan 62/2 ( Imam-ul-Haq 24 , Mohammad Hafeez 3)

NCN’s delivery kicks up a bit to rap Hafeez on his gloves but he does well to direct in on leg side for a single. Imam adds another with a slash past gully.

After 12 overs,Pakistan 60/2 ( Imam-ul-Haq 23 , Mohammad Hafeez 2)

It’s time for rebuilding. Mohammad Hafeez has now joined Imam in the middle. The senior batsman’s valuable innings against England led Pakistan to a big total in that match. Now it’s time for him to graft through middle overs to take Pakistan home. Four runs off the over.

After 11 overs,Pakistan 56/2 ( Imam-ul-Haq 21 , Mohammad Hafeez 0)

Babar Azam looked so good till he was out there but now he’s not because NCN got him to hole one out at fine leg. Before his dismissal Babar played a beautiful straight drive for a four but lost control of his pull shot as the top-edge flew to the fielder in the deep.

Crowd is so close to the players here in Taunton, it is a great atmosphere. Australia have tried pitching it up, but Babar has been up to challenge.  So crisp with his drives through the covers and down the ground

WICKET! Babar Azam c K Richardson b Coulter-Nile 30(28)

The dangerman is gone. All his shots were beautiful till this last one. BA lost control on his pull shot as NCN banged in a head-high short ball. BA went with momentum but lack of control led to a top-edge to fine leg.

FOUR! Excellent shot. A good length delivery from NCN to cramp BA for room but the batsman did well to punch it down the ground for a boundary

After 10 overs,Pakistan 51/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 20 , Babar Azam 26)

BA and Imam are dealing in boundaries at the moment thanks to some wayward bowling from Aussies. Another wide leg side delivery, from Richardson this time, as Babar Azam played it to fine leg fence. Five off the over.

FOUR! Another poor delivery. This time from Richardson. Again on leg as it has been flicked by BA to fine leg boundary

After 9 overs,Pakistan 46/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 19 , Babar Azam 22)

Another bowling change for the Aussies. Pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile brought into attack. And he’s guilty of a loosener. Went on pads, on leg as it went down to the fence after brushing the pads. Six off the over.

FOUR! Imam had to do very little there as the ball was on his pads, on leg side and ran down to fine leg fence after brushing the pads

After 8 overs,Pakistan 40/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 18 , Babar Azam 21)

Kane Richardson, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack. The pacer gets Imam to edge the first delivery but it fell short of Smith in the slips. Imam takes a single with a nudge past square leg. Richardson takes the leg side route to BA who flicks the shot past short fine leg for a four. And adds a single after that.

Some of absolutely sumptuous strokes 

Babar's getting naughty here.

— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) June 12, 2019

FOUR! Richardson went length ion leg and BA makes the most of opportunity with a flick past short fine leg fielder

After 7 overs,Pakistan 34/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 17 , Babar Azam 16)

Babar Azam is giving us all a batting lesson from Taunton. Only scoring off elegant cover drives. Got another full delivery from Cummins as he drove it beautifully to wide of mid off. Four off the over.

FOUR! BA is looking so impressive out there. A perfect shot. Full delivery from Cummins is driven to wide of mid off with an elegant process

After 6 overs,Pakistan 30/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 17 , Babar Azam 12)

An expensive over from Starc as he loses his rhythm. Got Imam to top-edge a short ball but it went past the keeper for a four. Starc followed it up with a half-volley that was crashed to mid-wicket before a leg-side ball was directed to fine leg fence.12 off the over.

FOUR! Poor delivery from Starc. Straying onto leg, on the pads as Imam flicked it to fine leg fence

FOUR! Half-volley from Starc on off as Imam clobbers that through to mid-wicket for a four

FOUR! Short ball from Starc takes the top-edge off Imam’s bat but runs down to the fence behind the keeper

After 5 overs,Pakistan 18/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 5 , Babar Azam 12)

An over of two glorious shots from Babar Azam. The cover region has been kept empty and the batsman made the most of it as he played two exquisite shots off two overpitched deliveries. Also, played some solid front foot and back foot defensive shots.

Fakhar Zaman dismissal a good example of the pace on the ball from the Cummins. Short leg in place for Babar, Australia hoping to inflict a bit of damage with the short ball

FOUR! Another overpitched delivery smoked through the cover region. This time the angle was a bit straight.

FOUR! Elegant shot! Babar Azam got on top of the bounce there to crash the overpitched delivery through the empty cover region

After 4 overs,Pakistan 10/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 5 , Babar Azam 4)

Just four from the over. Four runs from a boundary as Imam got on top of a short ball from Starc to steer it to the cow corner.

FOUR! Great shot. Starc charged the batsman with a short delivery but Imam pulled it with venom to the mid-wicket fence

After 3 overs,Pakistan 6/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 1 , Babar Azam 4)

Cummins gets Australia the first wicket! Fakhar Zaman never got going and the scoreboard pressure took a toll here as he opted for a wild slash with width on offer but it was taken at third man. New batsman Babar Azam gets off the mark with a four.

FOUR! It was not a shot but a slap. Some width on offer and Babar Azam slapped that with authority to wide of third man

WICKET! Fakhar Zaman c K Richardson b Pat Cummins 0(3)

Pat Cummins strikes for Australia! Opener Fakhar Zaman departs for a duck as his wild slash is taken at third man.

After 2 overs,Pakistan 2/0 ( Imam-ul-Haq 1 , Fakhar Zaman 0)

Mitchell Starc bang on the money from first ball. Starts his spell with a maiden. A half-hearted appeal for a caught behind on last ball but there was no edge.

After 1 overs,Pakistan 2/0 ( Imam-ul-Haq 1 , Fakhar Zaman 0)

Pat Cummins straightaway begins with a no-ball .However, it is an economical one as he concedes only two from the first over. Imam ul Haq gets off the mark for Pakistan.

Time for the chase! Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq make their way to the middle. Pat Cummins to bowl the fist over.

The crowds erupts in Taunton as Mohammad Amir picks up his fifth wicket. He has changed the course of this match. Splendid opening burst and his cutters into the pitch at the end proved to be too good. Australia have collapsed from 189/2 to be 307-all out. The pitch still has a bit in it, but Pakistan have the momentum..

After 49 overs, Australia 307 all out

Australia started off their innings in a fabulous manner with a 146-run stand for the first wicket but ever since Finch’s departure they continued to lose and throw away wickets from time to time. Warner carried on to rack up his hundred before the Pakistani quicks who had taken some beating early in the innings comeback to wipe out the lower order rather quickly. Amir once again spearheading the line up with starring with five-wicket haul.

Pakistan will think they have done extremely well to keep Australia down to 307 and if their top three fire they should be able to chase the target down. Join us for the chase in sometime.

ALL OUT! Mohammed Amir caps of a fantastic day at work with a five-wicket haul, claiming the wicket of the last ball of his spell. It was change up delivery from Amir, length ball and Starc went after it, strikes it down the ground but finds the long on fielder. Super performance from Amir.

Starc c Shoaib Malik b Amir 3(6)

OUT! That is a brilliant yorker from Mohammed Amir. Right on the money. It is full and slanted into the base of the middle and leg stump and Carey has missed it. There is loud appeal and the umpire has given it. Carey opts to review the decision but cannot overturn it. Amir has his 4th.

Carey lbw b Amir 20(21)

After 48 overs,Australia 302/8 ( Alex Carey (W) 19 , Mitchell Starc 0)

Australia struggling in the death overs, something that was predicted earlier on the blog. Their woes of carrying too many accumulators in the team and unable to use them at their preferred position continues to heard them and that will be perhaps the difference of not accelerating towards the end. The tail is exposed in early. Hasan collects his first wicket in his final and Australia now in the real danger of being bowled out. Hasan finishes his spell with 67 runs against his name.

OUT! Hasan Ali strikes! It is the back of a length short delivery that is angled into Pat Cummins’ chest, who arches back and tries to run it down through the vacant slip region but ends up gloving it to Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Pat Cummins c Sarfaraz b Hasan Ali 2(6)

After 47 overs,Australia 300/7 ( Alex Carey (W) 18 , Pat Cummins 1)

Australia continue to lose their wickets. Wahab picks his first in the form of Nathan Coulter-Nile. With singles on either side of the over, Australia bring up their 300.

OUT! Pacy delivery from Wahab, that is pitched up and perhaps comes back in late as well, NCN’s eyes light up seeing the full length as he looks to go downtown, gets an inside edge to Sarfaraz Ahmed, who dives across to claim a superb catch

Coulter-Nile c Sarfaraz b Riaz 2(3)

After 46 overs,Australia 298/6 ( Alex Carey (W) 17 , Nathan Coulter-Nile 2)

Carey shuffles across and pulls across, perhaps preempted to hit it in the empty deep mid wicket area. Seven runs from the over as Australia close in on 300-run mark.

Pakistan have crawled back into the contest. Difficult to understand Australia tactics, they held back Maxwell vs India but promoted him today with 20 overs to go. Teams will be happy to bowl to Khawaja, Shaun Marsh and Co in the last 10 compared to a Maxwell.

After 45 overs,Australia 291/6 ( Alex Carey (W) 11 , Nathan Coulter-Nile 1)

Who else but Mohammed Amir continues to pick wickets for Pakistan. Shaun Marsh becomes his latest victim. Nathan Coulter-Nile joins Carey in the middle. Pakistan coming back in the back with regular wickets.

OUT! Amir with the wicket again. Length ball outside off and Marsh wanted to swipe it down the ground, looked very ungainly in the need. Never got the power behind it and Shoaib catches it safely at long on.

 Shaun Marsh c Shoaib Malik b Amir 23(26)

After 44 overs,Australia 286/5 ( Shaun Marsh 22 , Alex Carey (W) 8)

A boundary of the last ball spoils Hasan Ali’s over which also includes some more sloppy work in the field the culprit this time is Mohammed Hafeez, who takes an unnecessary shy at non-striker’s end with no one backing up. It has been miserable day in the field for Pakistan.

FOUR! Carey gives himself some room, spots the slower ball from Hasan Ali and goes inside-out past the mid off fielder.

After 43 overs,Australia 278/5 ( Shaun Marsh 21 , Alex Carey (W) 1)

Excellent comeback over from Mohammad Amir. A wicket of the first ball with Khawaja departing after a little cameo. Alex Carey comes out to the middle and has a difficulty in putting bat to ball against Amir. He gets off the mark with a single to mid on, which is the only run that comes from the over.

OUT! It is almost as if, Amir’s return to the bowling crease has to result in a wicket for Pakistan. Khwaja this time hits it straight to the fielder at mid off. Wasn’t the most neatest takes from Wahab but he held on that is all that matters. Khawaja should have picked his gap to the full delivery, he has thrown away his wicket to a nothing delivery. Couple of Aussies have done that today.

Khawaja c Riaz b Amir 18(16)

After 42 overs,Australia 277/4 ( Shaun Marsh 21 , Usman Khawaja 18)

Pakistan’s quicks are missing their lengths quite a bit. Hasan’s over starts with a boundary and that makes things way too easier for the rest of the over. Eight runs from it.

FOUR! Hasan Ali bowls on the hips off Khawaja, who works it away to fine leg fence for another boundary. Australia are dealing in fours, Pakistan under the pressure once again.

After 41 overs,Australia 269/4 ( Shaun Marsh 20 , Usman Khawaja 13)

Khawaja moves into the double figures with some stunning strokes to the fence. He hits consecutive boundaries off Wahab before Marsh puts away a full toss for another boundary. Expensive over for Pakistan.

FOUR! Marsh makes the most of the fulltoss, drives it wide of the fielder at mid off where Malik had no chance this time really.

FOUR! That is really smart shot from Khawaja. He waits on another shortish delivery gliding the ball wide of the third man fielder. The timing on the shot was so good that skims away to fence.

FOUR! Just too short from Wahab and Khawaja pounces on it. pulls it powerfully wide of mid on! Couple of bounces and over the ropes.

After 40 overs,Australia 256/4 ( Shaun Marsh 16 , Usman Khawaja 4)

Some more shoddy work in the field gifts runs to Australia. Marsh collects his first boundary as Shaheen bowls out his 10 overs. He did pick couple of wickets in his spell at the expense of 70 runs.

FOUR! Pitched up by Shaheen and Marsh drives it crisply towards mid off where Malik, who should have  done a lot better, puts in a late dive over the ball that runs away to long off fence.

After 39 overs,Australia 247/4 ( Shaun Marsh 9 , Usman Khawaja 2)

Riaz slips in a quiet over as Marsh and Khawaja look to regroup after having lost Warner in the previous over. Just four runs off it.

After 38 overs,Australia 243/4 ( Shaun Marsh 7 , Usman Khawaja 0)

Warner walks back to the dressing room after a fine century and that brings Usman Khawaja into the middle. Not the most familiar situation he walks out to but it will be very interesting to see how he goes about his job. Pakistan can really pull things back in their favour in the final phase of Australia’s innings with only Carey left who can actually go hammer and tongs. Now, 350 looks like a distant dream for Australia.

OUT! Warner has sliced this full and wide delivery from Shaheen high in the air and Imam, who runs in from deep cover, takes this safely.

Warner c Imam b Shaheen Afridi 107(111)

Warner is ecstatic as he brings up his first 100 since his ban. More intent in his innings, better footwork and his head has really gone towards the ball. Pakistan keep dropping catches and the fans are extremely irritated

After 37 overs,Australia 239/3 ( David Warner 107 , Shaun Marsh 4)

Someone needs to deactivate the ‘butter fingers’ cheat code so that Asif can start holding onto his catches. Warner guides a short delivery, straight to third man, who spills another simplest of chances. Warner thanks his stars while Wahab wonders what is wrong his. Few good deliveries that goes past Marsh’s outside edge. Four runs from it.

After 36 overs,Australia 235/3 ( David Warner 104 , Shaun Marsh 3)

David Warner completes a hard-working century for Australia with a poke that runs down to third man. Seven runs from Shahee’s over. Australia still miles ahead in the game.

HUNDRED! Not the most convincing shot, neither the most fluent centuries from David Warner, but he has grafted his way at times and worked hard to reach the three-figure mark, and he is ecstatic. His leaps in signatory celebration, kisses the helmet and soaks in the applause. He presses forward, gets an outside edge that goes right through the gap between wicket-keeper and first slip.

After 35 overs,Australia 228/3 ( David Warner 97 , Shaun Marsh 3)

Hafeez will continue! Wow, he has been extremely expensive in his six overs but Sarfaraz wants him to bowl more. Marsh and Warner nudge around singles as the opener closes in on a century.

Still a bit in this pitch and Shaheen Afridi knocks over Maxwell. That is a big wicket for Pakistan, it could be the difference between a 370 to 350.

The Ashwin effect! 

Has anyone else noticed that every non-striker is behind the crease when the ball is bowled? Everytime. As it should be. So hopefully the era of running less for a run is over.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 12, 2019

After 34 overs,Australia 224/3 ( David Warner 95 , Shaun Marsh 1)

Warner starts the over with a boundary of the first ball of the over but Shaheen strikes back with the wicket of Maxwell, who lasts just 10 balls. Shaun Marsh comes out for his first hit in the World Cup. Successful over for Pakistan.

OUT! Shaheen makes a mess of Maxwell’s stumps. The Big Show fancies himself to pound it down the ground, he swings his bat and has missed out on a straight one by some distance. Shaheen Afridi is pumped with his first wicket in the tournament. Australia lose their third.

Maxwell b Shaheen Afridi 20(10)

After 33 overs,Australia 218/2 ( David Warner 90 , Glenn Maxwell 20)

Didn’t look like Hafeez was really interested in bowling. He just went through the motion, most likely his last over as Malik has bowled four and that completes the fifth bowler’s quota. Maxwell carts him for a couple of boundaries and six. Players break for drinks.

SIX! Hafeez changed his angle but it doesn’t seem to work, and in fact he ends up conceding an extra two runs. Maxwell stays put, clears his front leg and pumps it over long-off.

FOUR! Once again Hafeez drops it short and it is way too easy for Maxwell to pick his spot and smash the ball to the boundary. Again smacked this in the midwicket region but straighter than the previous boundary

FOUR! Nothing delivery this from Hafeez. Dropping it halfway down the track and Maxwell rocks back and slaps it to mid wicket boundary for a boundary.

After 32 overs,Australia 202/2 ( David Warner 89 , Glenn Maxwell 5)

Warner and Maxwell put on their running shoes taking couple of braces from Malik’s over. They seem content to dab around singles as of now. Six came from it.

After 31 overs,Australia 196/2 ( David Warner 86 , Glenn Maxwell 2)

Maxwell is off the mark with a single to long on. Five came from Hafeez’s fifth over. Australia will surely be aiming for 350-360 today and have fair amount of batting to come but would ideally want these two to bat at least next 10 overs.

After 30 overs,Australia 191/2 ( David Warner 83 , Glenn Maxwell 0)

Great time for Pakistan spinners to get some quick overs in. Shoaib Malik keeps it tight and allows just a single of the over.

After 29 overs,Australia 190/2 ( David Warner 82 , Glenn Maxwell 0)

Hafeez twirls his moustache after claiming Smith’s wicket. Smith pershises and Australia trying to overcompsenate and rectify their miscalculation against India, sends Maxwell ahead of Khawaja and Marsh, don’t know if it is wise tactic to have them for the backend and if sening Maxwell up the order is a right move today.

OUT! Smith skips down the pitch looking to hit it straight down the ground too. He is early into the shot and skews a high catch that Asif Ali gobbles. Smith got a thick outside edge, perhaps playing for the turn as well. Early departure for him.

Smith c Asif Ali b Hafeez 10(13)

Four no-balls equating to four free hits for Australia. Shadab, one of the best fielders has let a ball go past him and another overthrow. This is ‘bad’ Pakistan, the one their fans cringe to see. Australia are on target to score close to 400 on this small ground. Plenty of frustration among the fans inside the ground. One can hear ‘common yaar’ on consistent basis.

After 28 overs,Australia 187/1 ( David Warner 80 , Steve Smith 9)

Warner is now stepping on the gas smashing a boundary and a six off Shoaib Malik, who too makes the sin of oversteping the popping crease. Hafeez went for 15 in his first over and four runs in the second, Malik does it the other way round. Australia relishing.

SIX! Warner has gone with the shot. The ball gains a lot of height….and it also has the distance. Slightly short in length and he aims to go down the ground, sending it over long on boundary.

FOUR! That has been crashed through extra cover! Warner times this well. He reaches out to a low full toss to drive it through the gap.

After 27 overs,Australia 172/1 ( David Warner 67 , Steve Smith 8)

Amir continues to do his bit by holding an impressive line, but the rest of the team has been absolutely laughable. A mis-directed throw that actually from the mid on fielder provides an extra run. Pakistan really cannot afford to play like this.

After 26 overs,Australia 169/1 ( David Warner 64 , Steve Smith 8)

Shoaib Malik is been called into the attack. He goes round the stumps to both the batsmen. Smith wanted to go big over mid wicket but isn’t able to connect it. Decent start from Malik, who doesn’t mind bowling slower through the air, four runs from it.

After 25 overs,Australia 165/1 ( David Warner 62 , Steve Smith 6)

Pakistan take a chance with the review for a leg before shout against David Warner, but the even with the ball jagging into Warner, the impact is outside the line. Pakistan lose their review, but Amir continues bowl some jaffas that whizz past the outside edge. Another top over from the left-armer, only two singles from the over.

After 24 overs,Australia 163/1 ( David Warner 61 , Steve Smith 5)

Hasan Ali sends down few freebies and Warner hits them for two consecutive boundaries after which Smith also collects his first boundary with crisp shot through the offside. No Pakistan bowler has been able to back Amir from the other end and that has caused a lot of problems for Sarfaraz.

FOUR! Wow! That made a great sound on connection. Hasan Ali once again providing width outside off, length delivery and Smith has timed his punch superbly.

Another fifty for David Warner, it is his fastest half-century of the tournament. He needs to push on, especially after the dismissal of Finch. Amir deserved that wicket, it was a scrambled seam and Finch was undone due to the ball holding up a touch.

FOUR! Another overpitched delivery from Hasan Ali and Warner has driven this beautifully wide of mid off for successive fours.

FOUR! Very nice looking shot from David Warner, he presses forward and pushes it straight down the ground for a boundary.

After 23 overs,Australia 149/1 ( David Warner 52 , Steve Smith 1)

Mohammed Amir is recalled for a breakthrough and he provides it. Pakistan finally have the wicket of the dangerous looking Aaron Finch. He has looked the only bolwer to take a wicket. He even rushes Warner a couple of times in the over. Steve Smith, who has come in at three, is off the mark.

OUT! Finch looks to go straight and big against Amir, who is brought back into the attack, but gets a thick leading edge, skying it over the covers. Hafeez runs back, settles under the ball and pouches a good catch. Paksitan have a breakthrough

Finch c Hafeez b Amir 82(84)

After 22 overs,Australia 146/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 82 , David Warner 50)

Hasan Ali with another inconsistent over, with Warner bringing up his half-century with a boundary off the last ball of the over. It is Warner’s third fifty in first four games for Australia. The partnership is now inching towards the 150-run mark.

FIFTY! Warner raises his bat after completeing his half-century. Back-to-back fifties for the opener. A little bit of width and Warner has cashed in sending the ball to point fence.

After 21 overs,Australia 136/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 79 , David Warner 44)

After an inspired performance against England, Pakistan have gone back to the dull side. Finch smokes Hafeez for couple of big ones, taking 14 runs off his over.

SIX! Another ball in Finch’s mows this over cow corner. Powerful flat shot! Hafeez under the pump after conceding back-to-back sixes.

Pakistan fans at the ground are trying to help rally behind their side by starting a few chants, but hasn’t helped so far. A few blow-up plastic Kangaroos in the crowd as well, but majority of the fans are supporting Pakistan. The cold weather also seems to have kept a few spectators away from the ground.

SIX! Finch with a a full-blooded slog over to belt the ball over long on boundary. That is a huge hit from Finch. Hafeez pays the price of bowling right into his arc.

After 20 overs,Australia 122/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 66 , David Warner 43)

Hasan Ali is brought back into the attack. Really need one of the quicks to put their hand up for Pakistan. He does get a delivery to cut back into Finch, who somehow is able to jam it out on the onside, five runs come from the over.

After 19 overs,Australia 117/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 63 , David Warner 42)

Remember Pakistan isn’t play with a spinner today, so Hafeez will have to shoulder major responsibilty. Shoaib Malik will roll his arm at some stage too. After starting with a 15-run over, it is much tidier effort for the second over from Hafeez, giving away just four runs.

After 18 overs,Australia 113/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 61 , David Warner 41)

All sorts of problems for Pakistan as they still cannot find a way to break this opening stand. Shaheen oversteps but Warner isn’t able to put the free-hit away. He instead slashes it past point for a couple for a double. Three more singles from the over from Shaheen’s sixth over.

After 17 overs,Australia 107/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 59 , David Warner 38)

Finch gets a thick outside edge, getting deep into the crease, trying to scythe the ball, Sarfaraz cannot hold on. It was really difficult chance for the keeper, but will still go down as a chance. Second one for Finch. The Australian is barely bothered by it as he smashes two boundaries and a biggie, milking 15 runs off Hafeez’s first over. He even went past his half-century as Australia go past the 100-run mark. Players will take drinks.

SIX! Finch is taking Hafeez on here! Jumps down the pitch and swings it through the line, with the turn, sending the ball over long on fence.

Pakistan have been really sloppy in the past five overs. A dropped catch, misfields and the body language is looking rather lethargic. The pitch still seems to have a bit of moisture, but it is really slow and it could take some turn.  Finch continues his purple patch against Pakistan with another fifty.

FIFTY! Australian skipper on the attack. Another muscular hit from Fincy to bring up his half-century. This time he has thrashed it through the off-side to cover boundary.

FOUR! Holy! Finch steps down the track and gives it his all. Slamming it down the ground. Ferocious hit! The ball went like a bullet through Hafeez’s legs, he barely got any time to react.

After 16 overs,Australia 91/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 44 , David Warner 38)

Much better from Shaheen asking some questions to Finch. He even thought he got Finch lbw, but was perhaps hit him slightly high. After good first five deliveries the last one goes for a boundary

FOUR! Terrific shot from Finch to finish the over. Shaheen pitches this up and Finch presents a full face of the bat driving it down the ground with supreme timing on that one. Beats the diving mid on fielder.

After 15 overs,Australia 87/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 40 , David Warner 38)

Loud appeal for leg before against Finch. Wahab was sure he got his man and asks Sarfaraz to take the review, however, the Aussie skipper is saved on umpire’s call. Wahab cranks up the pace and gets one rear of short of a length, Finch taking a blow on his elbow. It took out a big enough chunk of the pitch. Finch isn’t looking comfortable against Riaz. There is a run out chance as well with Finch pushing it to point and taking off for a single that was never there. He has dive in to make his ground, but eventually he did collect the single via an overthrow. Lot happened in the over, but still no success for Pakistan.

After 14 overs,Australia 83/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 37 , David Warner 38)

Shaheen continues to bowl short and Finch and Warner are never going to have problems at his pace. A boundary along with three singles taken from the over.

After 13 overs,Australia 76/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 35 , David Warner 33)

It’s going from bad to worse for Pakistan. They were finally offered a chance but Asif Ali spilling it at first slip. The next ball runs away to fence rubing salt in Pakistan’s wounds. A missed chance and 11 runs from the over.

FOUR! This will pain. Wahab’s next delivery is on Finch’s hips and the Australian captain gets a tickle down to fine leg fence. Asif Ali kicks the turf in disgust.

FOUR! Yikes! Asif Ali has put down a regulation chance at first slip. Wahab had angled this across Finch, who was lining up to smash it over the offside, got a thick outside edge, that flew to Asif Ali, around shoulder high, but the ball bursts through his hands. Big miss. 

Asif Ali drops Aaron Finch on 27.

After 12 overs,Australia 65/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 25 , David Warner 32)
 

Shaheen Afridi is called back into the attack as Pakistan captain keeps shuffling his bowlers, holidng them for nothing but short bursts, also a sign that they are getting a little desperate for the opening wicket. Imam-Ul-Haq at deep extra cover has some work to do as Warner and Finch knock the ball around for couple of braces. Five runs from it.

After 11 overs,Australia 60/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 23 , David Warner 30)

Wahab starts the first over of the second powerplay. He has Warner in a spot of bother with a short ball around off stump, that Warner was looking to work away on the onside, he got a leading edge that popped up but fortunately for him it didn’t carry to the fielder at covers. Warner ends the four-run over with a couple off his pads behind square leg.

This is a different Warner to couple of days ago. There seems to be so much more intent and Pakistan have helped him by bowling a fraction shorter. Pakistan under the pump.

After 10 overs,Australia 56/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 22 , David Warner 27)

Hasan Ali hits the deck, looking to bowl short and into Warner’s chest. The southpaw is able to keep it away, with one going down the fine leg boundary off Warner’s hips for four leg byes. Seven came from it.

After 9 overs,Australia 49/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 22 , David Warner 24)

Wahab Riaz is brought into the attack. He will replace Amir. As all his bowlers have began their first over, Wahab, too, starts with a tight over, giving away two singles that came off the first two balls before delivering four dots of which the last one whistled past Finch’s outside edge. The 50-run stand comes up for Australia.

After 8 overs,Australia 47/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 21 , David Warner 23)

Hassan Ali commences his second over with a wide down the leg side to Warner.Pakistan bowlers just their shape a bit. Few wayward deliveries in Hassan Ali’s over as Finch and Warner stroke away a boundary each.

FOUR! Warner’s turn to crash a boundary through the offside. Again, a little too much width offered by Hassan Ali and Warner punches it off the back foot for a boundary. A very good shot that.

FOUR! Cracked! Lot of width on offer to Aaron Finch’s liking. He loves to free his arms and is one top of the bat immediately. Square drives it neatly to the right of point.

We are all glad that weather is behaving good for now! 

Good to see play on for now in Taunton. Both teams similarly structured. Four quicks and someone who can bowl off-breaks. Important game for both

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 12, 2019

After 7 overs,Australia 37/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 16 , David Warner 18)

After excellent first three overs, Amir misses his lines at the start of his fourth, bowling it down the leg side to Warner, concedes a wide before Warner tucking a boundary of the next ball. Three more singles come from the over. Australia motoring along.

Steady and solid start by Australia. No swing despite the overhead conditions, perhaps it’s really too cold. Warner pulling out the paddle pull for anything on his pads.

FOUR! Amir sprays on Warner’s pads and the left-hander nudges it away behind deep square leg for four. No protection out there for Amir.

After 6 overs,Australia 29/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 15 , David Warner 12)

Sarfaraz has quickly taken his young bowler out of the attack, sensing Pakistan need to built pressure from both ends for their first wicket. Hassan Ali is brought from the other end and he starts off well. Only a single for David Warner.

After 5 overs,Australia 27/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 15 , David Warner 11)

Amir has been immaculate so far. His control seems to be excellent. He gets one to rise a little extra from length, almost getting his man leg before wicket. Second maiden from his third over.

After 4 overs,Australia 27/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 15 , David Warner 11)

Shaheen drops it short to Finch and Warner, who are really enjoying themselves against the younger of the two left-arm opening bowlers. He is been taken for 17 runs with Finch starting the over with a strong six. Few doubles and Warner collects a boundary for himself. This isn’t good for Pakistan as it takes away from all the pressure that has been built from Amir at the other end.

FOUR! Short of length from Shaheen once again, this time to Warner, who pulls away with ease to the deep midwicket fence

SIX! Shaheen makes the mistake of bowling short and into Finch’s midriff. Australian skipper gives the ball a beefy wallop, dispatching it over backward square leg boundary.

After 3 overs,Australia 10/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 4 , David Warner 5)

Another testing over from Amir, whizzing past Finch’s outside edge.  Finch hit a full ball for a drive down the ground, but towards the fielder, who could half stop it for, giving away two runs off it. Finch clips another single off his pads before Amir ends with a superb delivery to Warner going past the edge once again.

After 2 overs,Australia 7/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 1 , David Warner 5)

Shaheen Shah Afridi, playing his first World Cup game, will take the new ball from the other end. Warner gets Australia off the mark with a boundary. Finch is beaten again with Shaheen slanting one across. He finally collects his first run with a tap on the legside.

FOUR! Shaheen Afridi bowls short and on David Warner’s hips, who shuffles and pulls it away to backward square leg to get the first runs on the board for Australia. It has arrived in the form of a boundary.

After 1 overs,Australia 0/0 ( Aaron Finch (C) 0 , David Warner 0)

Amir has two slips in place and they were kept interested throughout the over the left-arm quick beating Aaron Finch’s outside edge a couple of times. Amir continues to get hint of assistance off the surface. Finch misses out to get bat on ball that is bowled full and near the tramline outside the off stump. Maiden for Amir.