World Cup, Australia vs Pakistan as it happened: Australia thump Pakistan by six wickets

Clarke: It was a really close game in the end. The bowlers did a fantastic job, our fielding was excellent. Wahab came out and really put us under pressure, one of the fastest spells I’ve seen in a long time. Watson toughed it out, Steven Smith looked fantastic. If they had taken the catch of Watson at fine leg it could have been a lot tighter, credit to him for sticking in there. Wahab pushed us really hard. We look forward to another really tough contest against India, they are playing strong and Dhoni is leading them well.

Misbah: I think Australia really deserved that. They bowled really well and then they batted really well. 270-280 was pretty much on but some bad shot selections really cost us. Wahab really bowled his heart out. He was totally a different bowler in this tournament. I have never seen such a spell from any bowler. No one knows what could have happened if that catch had been taken. The way the team came back and won 4 games in a row. Batting needs to improve but we did well.

Pakistan batsmen played rash shots and threw it away. Hazlewood ended with 4 wickets while Starc ended with two wickets. In reply, Pakistan had Finch early and then Wahab bowled a spell of his lifetime as he had rattled. Pakistan would rue the fact that they dropped a couple of catches. That drop of Rahat Ali when Wahab was bowling the spell of the match might have been the turning point in the match. But not to forget, Smith played a classy innings of 65 while watching all that was going on at the other end. And yes…..Australia have never lost in semi-finals so it’s a big task for India who will face them in the semis.

An emotional time for the Pakistan fans as they won’t see the sight of Afridi and Misbah in ODIs!

That’s it! Australia beat Pakistan by 6 wickets!

Maxwell cracks a flat six over covers off Sohail and then Watson thumps it through covers for a four to hit the winning runs. Watson and Maxwell hug each other as they celebrate. Australia have won it with 97 balls to spare but it wasn’t that easy for Australia.

After 33 overs, Australia 203/4 (Watson 60, Maxwell 35)

Watson giving some back to Wahab now. The left arm pacer drops it short and this time Watson doesn’t duck or sway, he just hammers it over deep square leg for a flat six. Wahab then drifts on his pads and Watson trickles it to fine leg for a boundary. Wahab ends the over with a bouncer and this time Watson ducks. Wahab walks up to him and has a couple of words. Watson smiles and has a laugh.

After 32 overs, Australia 193/4 (Watson 50, Maxwell 35)

Maxwell wants to finish this off as soon as possible. He drives one through extra cover for a boundary and then pulls the next one over square leg for an effortless six. 11 runs off the Ehsan over.

FIFTY for Watson!

Watson was battered by Riaz by short deliveries, dropped but he kept his calm and hit a fifty. Five fours in his innings so far.

After 31 overs, Australia 182/4 (Watson 49, Maxwell 25)

Maxwell going for everything. A flick through mid-wicket for a four and then a I-didn’tknow-where-it-was-going shot as he goes for a pull and ends up slashing it through point. He then drives one sweetly through covers for three. 13 runs off the over.

After 30 overs, Australia 169/4 (Watson 48, Maxwell 14)

Maxwell and Watson have gone on the attack now. Maxwell pulls it through mid-wicket for a four and then Watson drives it through covers for another one. 9 runs off the over. Australia cruising now….

After 29 overs, Australia 160/4 (Watson 44, Maxwell 9)

DROPPED! Wahab must be cursing his luck. He bowls another sharp bouncer, Maxwell charges down the track but it’s straight on his face, he tries to pulls of a slash-pull but geta a top edge to third man, Sohail puts in a lazy effort and it goes through his hands. Poor, poor fielding from Pakistan. 7 runs off the over.

Wahab is back on…..

After 28 overs, Australia 153/4 (Watson 42, Maxwell 5)

After five dot balls. Maxwell unleashes a terrific drive through mid off for a boundary. Four runs off the over. Not much happening for the rest of the pacers. Pakistan need to bring back Wahab now.

Rahat Ali back on….

After 27 overs, Australia 149/4 (Watson 42, Maxwell 1)

A very good over from Ehsan. He got the reward for pitching it up as he scalped the wicket of Smith. Three runs and a wicket off the over.

OUT! Ehsan removes Smith. But is it too little too late? S Smith lbw b Ehsan Adil 65 (69b 7×4 0x6), After 26.4 overs, Australia 148/4 (Watson 42)

Full on off, tailing in. Smith shuffles across and looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. They all go up in an appeal and the umpire, after a long thought, lifts his finger. No reviews left for Smith and he walks off after a wonderful innings. Replays show that it was clipping leg. 

Glenn Maxwell is the new batsman.

Ehsan Adil into the attack now.

After 26 overs, Australia 146/3 (Smith 64, Watson 41)

Afridi finally keeping it full but Smith manufactures a fantastic shot. He dances down the track and whips it over mid-wicket for a four. He then drives one through covers for a couple and then takes a single off the last ball to make it 7 runs from the over.

After 25 overs, Australia 139/3 (Smith 57, Watson 41)

Four singles off the Haris over. It’s been too easy for Australia so far.

After 24 overs, Australia 135/3 (Smith 55, Watson 39)

Afridi is too short and has been milked for runs by the Aussies. Paksitan are letting it slip from here. Watson pulls one through mid-wicket for three. Four singles and a two makes it 9 runs from the over.

Afridi into the attack now….

After 23 overs, Australia 126/3 (Smith 53, Watson 32)

A good over from Sohail. He mixed up his pace well. Just three singles off the over.

Haris Sohail into the attack now….

After 22 overs, Australia 123/3 (Smith 52, Watson 30)

Watson getting into the groove now. The short ball strategy is not working against him and he is taking the short stuff on. He crackes a coupke of pulls, one through mid-wicket and then other through square leg. A couple of short ball wides and a single make it 11 runs off the over.

After 21 overs, Australia 112/3 (Smith 52, Watson 21)

Smith gets to a classy fifty with a four. A wide and a single makes it 6 runs off the over. The storm seems to have died and Australia are playing confidently. Pakistan need a wicket now.

FIFTY for Smith!

Smith brings up his fifty in style with a lovely cover drive. A shot he has played so well in this innings so far. It’s been a brilliant innings so far from him. six fours in the innings so far.

After 20 overs, Australia 106/3 (Smith 48, Watson 20)

Smith is playing confidently and seems to be unruffled by what is happing at the other end. Watson looks to have weathered the storm as he creams one through extra cover for a boundary. He then clips one through mid-wicket for a couple. He is assured in his defense too. 8 runs off the over.

Rahat continues….

After 19 overs, Australia 98/3 (Smith 47, Watson 13)

Watson is confident in this over but he fended away one which fell short of the short leg fielder. Wahab bowled a couple of bouncers which were called wides. He then resorted to full deliveries and Watson defended them solidly. He pulls a back of a length delivery through square leg for a couple. 5 runs off the over.

After 18 overs, Australia 93/3 (Smith 46, Watson 11)

Sohail now trying to bounce out Watson but the latter gets on the top and hammers a pull for a boundary. A couple of more bouncers more from Sohail. But he is not ramping up the same pace as Wahab. 5 runs off the over.

After 17 overs, Australia 88/3 (Smith 45, Watson 7)

DROPPED! Rahat drops a simple one! What disappointment for Pakistan!

Wahab was so, so close to having his man. Another bouncer off the first ball, Watson just plays a half-hearted pull, he gets a top edge to fine leg where Rahat drops a sitter. Wahab cant believe it. A let off for Watson. Watson then fends away another bouncer. Wahab has a couple of words with him and has a laugh. There is a loud cheer from the crowd as Watson clips one through square leg for a couple.

After 16 overs, Australia 83/3 (Smith 44, Watson 4)

Not good stuff from Afridi. He needs to keep it tight with Waab bowling so well from the other end. Smith walks across and flicks it through mid-wicket for a four and then another couple of flicks for twos. 9 runs off the over.

After 15 overs, Australia 74/3 (Smith 36, Watson 3)

Another fantastic over from Wahab. Watson right now is like a deer caught in headlights. Wahab bowls a disconcerting bouncer, Watson looks to fend but it hits hsi gloves and falls safely to the off side. He then again looks to fend one and it fals short of the short leg fielder. Another bouncer and WATSON IS CLUELESS. It catches the shoulder of the bat and flies over slip cordon, short of third man for a single. 2 runs off the over.

Wahab continues.

After 14 overs, Australia 72/3 (Smith 35, Watson 2)

That over releases the pressure a bit. 5 runs off it. Afridi was too short in that over and Smith was trying to use his feet to good effect. There was a moment when Misbah brought himself at short leg. He’s giving it all in this match. Brilliant captaincy so far.

Shahid Afridi into the attack now.

After 13 overs, Australia 67/3 (Smith 31, Watson 1)

What an over from Wahab. He is absolutely fired up. Smith takes a single to square leg. Wahab then bows a sharp bouncer on off, Watson jsut about gets out of the way. It whizzes past his helmet. Wahab again has a sarcastic clap. The umpire then calls it a wide off another bouncer, he has a sarcastic clap at the umpire. Wahab then bowls another sharp bouncer and it whizzes pas Watson’s gloves. What an over. Just one run off it.

After 12 overs, Australia 66/3 (Smith 30, Watson 1)

Meanwhile, Smith is playing on a different pitch it seems. He’s casually walsking across and flicking them. He then leans into a drive and hits it crisply through covers for four. Then takes a single behind square leg to make it five runs from the over.

After 11 overs, Australia 59/2 (Smith 24, Watson 0)

A fiery over from Wahab. He bowled a short one to Watson straightaway. Watson jsut about ducks under it. Wahab walks forward and like a taunt to Watson, applauds the slip cordon and the keeper. It’s all happening at the Adelaide Oval. We are in for a cracker it seems. 3 runs and a wicket off the over.

OUT! Brilliant captaincy from Misbah! MJ Clarke c Sohaib Maqsood b Wahab Riaz 8 (11b 0x4 0x6), After 10 overs, Australia 59/3 (Smith 24)

There was a short leg in place which was a bit deep, just for that short delivery. Wahab bowls a sharp short delivery which jumps off the surface. It’s on Clarke’s body. He has no option to fend at it. He ball takes the shoulder of the bat and pops to that short leg fielder. Wahab sets off in celebrations. The Pakistanis are pumped up. 

Shane Watson strides out to the middle.

Wahab continues…..

After 10 overs, Australia 56/2 (Smith 22, Clarke 7)

Clarke has started off in positive fashion. He’s looking good with his foot work and shuffling a tad to tuck it to the leg side. He does it off the second ball for a couple through square leg and then cuts one through point for another couple. 4 runs off the over.

After 9 overs, Australia 52/2 (Smith 22, Clarke 3)

Warner cut the first ball through point for three and then Smith took a single. Wahab then removed Warner. Clarke started off well with a flick to mid-wicket for a couple and then takes a single to third man. 8 runs and a wicket off it.

OUT! Wahab strikes in his first over! DA Warner c Rahat Ali b Wahab Riaz 24 (23b 3×4 0x6), After 8.3 overs, Australia 49/2 (Smith 22)

A very good catch from Rahat! Short and wide outside off, Warner looks to slash but gets an outside edge to third man. Rahat charges forward, the ball is dipping on him but he still manages to take a very good catch. It was travelling at the rate of knots. A big wicket for Pakistan. 

Captain Michael Clarke strides out to the middle.

Wahab Riaz into the attack now.

After 8 overs, Australia 44/1 (Warner 21, Smith 21)

A good over from Rahat. Finally, he got his lengths right in that over. Smith still found a way to manouver a couple of deliveries through square leg and point for a couple of 2s. 4 runs off the over.

After 7 overs, Australia 40/1 (Warner 21, Smith 17)

After four dot balls, Smith pulls out another one of his crisp cover drives for a four. He then shuffles and takes a single to mid-wicket. Warner punches one crisply but stright to covers. Pakistan need another wicket here. They can’t let this pair settle down. They are playing pretty well. 5 runs off the over.

After 6 overs, Australia 35/1 (Warner 21, Smith 12)

Warner and Smith are playing some brilliant shots. Rahat bowls it short outside off first ball and Warner hammers him over point for a boundary. He then bowls it full to smith who leans into a lovely cover drive for a four. Warner then drives one through covers for three. 12 runs off the over. A good one for Australia.

Rahat Ali into the attack now.

After 5 overs, Australia 23/1 (Warner 16, Smith 5)

Smith gets off the mark in style with a boundary. It’s full on middle and leg. He flicks it behind square leg and it races away. He then takes a single to mid on. Warner turns one to deep mid-wicket to make it 6 runs from the over. Sohail isn’t getting much movement in the air or off the pitch but he is bowling at a good pace.

After 4 overs, Australia 17/1 (Warner 15, Smith 0)

Warner is still playing his shots. After defending three deliveries, Warner punches it through covers for a couple. He then smacks a full delivery but straight to covers. Just two runs off the over.

After 3 overs, Australia 15/1 (Warner 13, Smith 0)

A superb over from Sohail. Just two runs and a wicket off it. He needs to bowl a bit more fuller.

OUT! Finch departs and also wastes the review! AJ Finch lbw b Sohail Khan 2 (5b 0x4 0x6) , After 2.3 overs, Australia 15/1 (Warner 13)

Full on off from Sohail. It swings in late. Finch walks across and looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. The umpire raises the finger on the appeal. Finch has a word with Warner and opts for a review. Replays show it was dead plumb. Just the start Pakistan wanted. 

Steven Smith is the new batsman.

After 2 overs, Australia 13/0 (Warner 13, Finch 0)

Warner is looking ominous. He tucks one through mid-wicket for a couple and then goes for a boomign drive but gets an outside edge over the slip cordon for a streaky four. He times a couple more well but hits them straight to the fielder.  6 runs off the over.

After 1 over, Australia 7/0 (Warner 7, Finch 0)

Warner off to a positive start here. He at first drives it crisply but straight to the fielder at covers. He then drives one sweetly through extra cover and it races away to the fence. He follows up with a straight drive for three. There is a big LBW shout against Finch but the umpire turns it down. Height was a problem and replays showed it was clipping top of off.

Right then! The Australia openers – David Warner and Aaron Finch have made their way out to the middle. Sohail Khan will start off proceedings for Pakistan.

Pakistan batsmen only have themselves to blame for a poor performance. They just played bad shots and threw their wickets at crucial junctures. There was a time when Misbah and Haris were going well after the early loss of openers but they too threw away their wickets off poor shots and that’s when Pakistan lost the plot and never recovered. Pakistan pacers now have to bowl out of their skins to win this for Pakistan.

That’s it! Pakistan all out for 213!

OUT! Ehsan is the last man to depart. He gets a top edge to fine leg on his pull and Starc pouches a brilliant diving catch. Ehsan Adil c Starc b Faulkner 15 (22b 1×4 0x6). 

Ehsan earlier hit a four and then mistimed another loft for a couple to push the score to 213 before departing off Faulkner.

After 49 overs, Pakistan 206/9 ( Ehsan 9, Rahat 5)

Watson continues. Swing and a miss, swing and a miss, swing and a miss. This repeated through the over. Rahat finally got the bat onto the ball off the last ball but it was an inside edge for a single.

After 48 overs, Pakistan 205/9 ( Ehsan 9, Rahat 4)

It seems like Pakistan might last full fifty overs which is another moral victory for them, if they manage to do so. Two singles off the over. Rahat went for a booming loft over covers but mistimed it on the bounce to the deep cover fielder for a single off the last ball.

After 47 overs, Pakistan 203/9 ( Ehsan 8, Rahat 3)

Ehsan and Rahat dealing in singles.  Three singles off the Watson over. These are crucial runs for Pakistan. They can still hope that the bowlers pull off a miracle.

After 46 overs, Pakistan 200/9 ( Ehsan 6, Rahat 2)

200 comes up for Pakistan. The crowd gives them a warm applause. A moral victory. A couple of singles and a to off the over.

Faulkner is brought back into the attack.

After 45 overs, Pakistan 196/9 ( Ehsan 3, Rahat 1)

Another cracking over from Starc, he had mixed his yorkers and bouncers pretty well. He nearly wrapped it up as he induced an outside edge of Ehsan and it fell short of the diving 2nd slip fielder. Just one run off it.

After 44 overs, Pakistan 195/9 (Ehsan 3, Rahat 0)

Another successful over from Hazlewood, just three runs and a wicket off it. Australia would be looking to wrap this up as soon as possible.

OUT! This was coming! Hazlewood gets his 4th wicket. Sohail Khan c †Haddin b Hazlewood 4 (5b 0x4 0x6) , After 44 overs, Pakistan 195/9 (Ehsan 3)

Good length delivery outside off, Sohail goes for a wild swing but gets a top edge high in the air. The ball swirls around in the air, Haddin settles under it and accepts it calmly. 

Rahat Ali is the last man in…

After 43 overs, Pakistan 192/8 ( Ehsan 0, Sohail 4)

Another good over from Starc. He took the wicket of Wahab off the 2nd ball but Sohail managed to take a couple of 2s off the final three balls. 4 runs and a wicket off the over.

OUT! Starc surpasses Shami as the highest wicket-taker. Wahab Riaz c †Haddin b Starc 16 (22b 2×4 0x6), After 42.2 overs, Pakistan 188/8 (Ehsan 0)

Length delivery outside off from Starc, Wahab goes for a wild swing but gets an outside edge to the keeper who makes no mistake. Horrible shot. Pakistan falling apart. 

Sohail Khan is the new batsman.

After 42 overs, Pakistan 188/7 ( Wahab 16, Ehsan 0)

A brilliant over from Hazlewood. A wicket maiden. Pakistan going nowhere from here.

OUT! Big blow for Pakistan as Maqsood departs. Sohaib Maqsood c Johnson b Hazlewood 29 (44b 1×4 0x6) , After 41.3 overs, Pakistan 188/7 (Wahab 16)

Pakistan have thrown away wickets, it’s not that they have received unplayable deliveries. This is another case of a wicket given away. It’s full outside off, Maqsood smacks it straight to covers where Johnson fumbles but manages to hold on to it. 

Ehsan Adil is the new batsman.

After 41 overs, Pakistan 188/6 ( Maqsood 29, Wahab 16)

There’s a good little battle going on between Starc and Wahab. A yorker first up from Starc and Wahaz looks to drive but misses. Wahab then gives himself room and hits a ‘Helicopter’ whip over mid on for a four. Starc follows up with a fiery bouncer and Wahab just about ducks under it. A single off the last ball makes it 6 runs off the over. Crucial runs these for Pakistan.

After 40 overs, Pakistan 182/6 ( Maqsood 28, Wahab 11)

A good over for Pakistan. Wahab at first smacks it over mid on for a thumping four. He then charges down the track for another wild swing but Faulkner beats him with a pacey bouncer. Johnson then follows up with a wayward on a quick singles and conceded four overthrows. Maqsood smashes one down the ground for a couple. 11 runs off the over. 21/0 in the Batting Powerplay!

Faulkner continues…..

After 39 overs, Pakistan 171/6 ( Maqsood 26, Wahab 2)

A fiery over from Starc and things getting heated up a bit. He beats Wahab’s outside edge with a yorker outside off and then has a word with him. Wahab is not happy and has a word with the umpire who tells the Aussies to calm down.  The last ball is a very good yorker and Riaz does well to dig it to point for a single. Just 3 runs off the over.

After 38 overs, Pakistan 168/6 ( Maqsood 25, Wahab 1)

Faulkner bowls another brilliant over. Wahab was absolutely clueless in that over. He beat Wahab’s outside edge thrice on his drive. Just one run off the over.

After 37 overs, Pakistan 167/6 ( Maqsood 24, Wahab 1)

A very good over from Starc. He hurries up Maqsood with his pace on the bouncer, Maqsood looks to pull but ends up top edging it to mid-wicket where it falls safely. Starc then beats Wahab’s outside on his push with an outswinger. 5 runs off the over.

After 36 overs, Pakistan 162/6 ( Maqsood 20, Wahab 0)

Faulkner bowls a tight first over in the Batting Powerplay. Just one run off it. Pakistan need to take calculated risks in in the Batting Powerplay.

After 35 overs, Pakistan 161/6 ( Maqsood 19, Wahab 0)

Mitchell Starc is brought back and he bowls a disciplined over just giving away three runs. Sohaib is the key from here on. Wahab hit a crucial fifty against South Africa earlier and Pakistan would be hoping this pair takes them past 200 at least. A crucial period starts now – The Batting Powerplay.

After 34 overs, Pakistan 158/6 ( Maqsood 16, Wahab 0)

One sensed it was a boom and a bust and that’s what happened. Afridi looked to run one down the third man but missed, he then got a top edge for four and then departed. 6 runs and a wicket off the Hazlewood over.

OUT! Afridi departs. The 15-ball 23 knock comes to an end. Shahid Afridi c Finch b Hazlewood 23 (15b 3×4 1×6) , 

He had survived just a couple of balls earlier as he got a top edge over the keeper for a streaky boundary off Hazlewood. This time he goes for another pull, doesn’t connect it well and helps it straight into the hands of Finch at deep mid-wicket. He walks off in disappointment, probably for the one last time in ODIs!

Wahab Riaz is the new batsman.

After 33 overs, Pakistan 152/5 ( Maqsood 15, Afridi 18)

Afridi in cruise control. The first ball he faces of Johnson he smacks it flat over point for a six. He then gets beaten by a slower delivery. A single follows and then Maqsood takes a couple through mid-wicket. 9 runs off the over. We are in for an Afridi show it seems…He seems to be in the mood.

After 32 overs, Pakistan 143/5 ( Maqsood 13, Afridi 11)

Good over for Pakistan. After 4 runs off the first five balls, Maqsood hammers a pull over wide long on for a boundary. Afridi is looking to be aggressive and even Maqsood too. They need to calm down a bit because a wicket here might make things worse for Pakistan.

After 31 overs, Pakistan 135/5 ( Maqsood 6, Afridi 10)

Maqsood survives a dropped chance. It’s short delivery from Johnson, one in which he gets a disconcerting bounce. Maqsood looks to fend but gets a leading edge back. Johson dives to his left, gets a hand to it but doesn’t manage to hold on. Just one run off the over. Johnson has done well in his comeback spell. His overall figures read 9-0-33-1.

After 30 overs, Pakistan 134/5 ( Maqsood 5, Afridi 10)

Afridi has come out all guns blazing. He paddle sweeps his firat ball for a couple. He then slices it over point for a four and then hamers one through mid off for another boundary. A successful over for Australia though as Maxwell got the wicket of Akmal. 10 runs and a wicket off it.

OUT! Umar Akmal has thrown it away! Umar Akmal c Finch b Maxwell 20 (25b 2×4 0x6), After 29.1 overs, Pakistan 124/5 (Maqsood 5)

Short outside off, a long hop. Akmal rocks back for a pull but ends up mistiming it horribly to deep mid-wicket Finch again accepts another catch calmly. Pakistan are throwing it away here. 

Shahid Afridi walks out to bat probably for the one last time in ODIs!

After 29 overs, Pakistan 124/4 ( Akmal 20, Maqsood 5)

Umar is playing well in the ‘v’ region. a couple of overs earlier he hit a lovely drive through mid on for three off Johnson but this time he makes sure he times well and hits a straight drive for a four. He’s come out with a positive intent. 6 runs off the over.

After 28 overs, Pakistan 118/4 ( Akmal 15, Maqsood 4)

Glenn Maxwell is bowling a lovely little spell here. He’s flighting the ball and mixing them well. He beats Umar on his drive off a straighter one and conceded just 4 singles. Maxwell’s figures read 6-0-33-1. Not bad for a fifth bowling option. H’s got the big wicket of Misbah.

After 27 overs, Pakistan 114/4 ( Akmal 13, Maqsood 2)

A successful over for Australia where Johnson got the wicket of Haris. 6 runs ad a wicket off it. Umar has started off well and is looking positive but he along with Maqsood need to rebuild now.

OUT! Johnson removes the set Haris! Haris Sohail c †Haddin b Johnson 41 (57b 4×4 0x6) , After 26.4 overs, Pakistan 112/4 (Akmal 13)

Poor shot from Haris! It’s full and a touch wide outside off, Haris stays glued to his crease and looks to drive but gets an outside edge to the keeper who dives to his left and pouches a good low catch. Another blow to Pakistan at a crucial juncture. 

Sohaib Maqsood is the new batsman.

After 26 overs, Pakistan 108/3 (Haris 40, Akmal 10)

Umar Akmal is playing well on the back foot. He cuts one through point for a couple. Then there is this bizarre appeal for for a hit wicket against Akmal as he rocks back and cut it powerfully through point. But replays showed the bail fell off Haddin’s gloves. No one knew what was going on. 6 runs off the over. These two need to steady proceedings now.

After 25 overs, Pakistan 102/3 (Haris 40, Akmal 4)

Johnson is brought back into the attack and he follows up with a disciplned over. Just one run off it.

After 24 overs, Pakistan 101/3 (Haris 40, Akmal 3)

Maxwell nearly gets two in in one over as he induces an outside edge of Umar Akmal off his first ball. It flies wide of slip for a couple. 5 runs and a wicket off the Maxwell over. A brilliant one for Australia.

OUT! Maxwell gets the big fish! Misbah-ul-Haq c Finch b Maxwell 34 (59b 1×4 2×6) . After 23.2 overs, Pakistan 97/3 (Haris 39)

Misbah departs and it’s a big blow for Pakistan. it’s loopy and full outside off, Misbah gets down and goes for a slog sweep. He had connected a couple earlier but not this time. He mistimes it to deep mid-wicket and Finch takes a good catch. Misbah trudges off, probably for the one last time. 

Umar Akmal is the new batsman.

After 22 overs, Pakistan 96/2 (Harris 38, Misbah 34)

A very good over from Watson. He’s been bowling good lines and then surprises the batsman with a sharp short delivery suddenly. Just two runs off the over.

After 21 overs, Pakistan 94/2 (Harris 37, Misbah 33)

Good stuff from Misbah and Haris. They managed to get four runs off the over. Mainly dealing in singles. Faulkner has maintained good lines but there are wide gaps in the field for singles and Pakistan have used them well. Australia need to do something different to get a breakthrough.

Faulkner continues….

After 20 overs, Pakistan 90/2 (Harris 35, Misbah 32)

Haris getting impatient out in the middle, earlier, he was connecting well but ow he isn’t. Watson drops it short, Haris goes for a pull but gets a top edge which loops just over the leaping Haddin for a couple. He then looks to go downtown but mistimes it over mid on for a streaky boundary. He then takes a single to third man. Misbah plays out a couple of dots. 7 runs from the over.

After 20 overs, Pakistan 83/2 (Harris 28, Misbah 32)

A good start from Faulkner. He got good bounce from the surface. Just two singles off the over. Australia need to pick a wicket now.

James Faulkner into the attack now…

After 19 overs, Pakistan 81/2 (Harris 27, Misbah 31)

Watson nearly has a wicket in his first over. After a couple of singles. Haris goes for a wild swing but gets a top edge which falls short of the third man man fielder. A single off the last ball makes it four runs off the over. Haris needs to keep hsi calm, there is no need for a rash shot. They are going well.

Shane Watson into the attack now….

After 18 overs, Pakistan 77/2 (Harris 25, Misbah 29)

Really clever cricket from Pakistan and especially from Misbah. After a couple of singles in the over, Misbah gets down and hoicks it over deep mid-wicket for a huge six. That makes it 8 runs from the over. They have been taking singles off Maxwell at the start and going after him off the final ball.

After 17 overs, Pakistan 69/2 (Harris 24, Misbah 22)

Haris drives one straight down the ground for three. But then Johnson hits back to concede just one run. Both the batsmen looking confident now. They are taking singles easily and not being troubled. Johnson need to up the ante now.

Johnson continues…..

After 15 overs, Pakistan 65/2 (Haris 21, Misbah 21)

A very good over from Maxwell. he was disciplined with his lines and flighted the ball really well. Haris looked a tad impatint and looked to charge down the track but was cramped for room. Misbah was then beaten by a slider that went straight on. Just one run off the over.

After 14 overs, Pakistan 64/2 (Haris 20, Misbah 21)

Misbah calm in that over, he walks across and clips it through square leg for a couple. Sohail dabs one to third man for one. Three runs off the over. Johnson not getting any movement in the air or off the pitch.

After 13 overs, Pakistan 61/2 (Haris 19, Misbah 19)

Misbah changing his gears. That’s surprising. After three singles off the first five balls, Maxwell bowls one full, Misbah stays in his crease and just launches it over deep mid-wicket for a huge six. That might send Pakistan fans into a frenzy. 9 runs off the Maxwell over. Pakistan need to target Maxwell as he is Australia’s fifth bowler.

Spin for the first time as Glenn Maxwell comes into the attack.

After 12 overs, Pakistan 52/2 (Haris 17, Misbah 12)

The 50 comes up for Pakistan. It’s been a good rebuilding job done so far by Misbah and Haris. Johnson missed his lines in this over and was a bit wayward. he tried the round the wicket stuff from both Haris and Misbah too. Just the two singles and a wide off the over. This pair needs to stitic together a big partnership now.

After 11 overs, Pakistan 49/2 (Haris 16, Misbah 11)

Harris finally releasing the pressure. He clears his front leg and thumps it uppishly through mid off for a boundary. A couple of singles and then Haris cracks one through covers to make it 11 runs from the over. Haris has looked good out in the middle but not had much of the strike. He is on 16 off 17 balls.

After 10 overs, Pakistan 38/2 (Haris 7, Misbah 9)

Mitchell has started off with his accurate short barrage. Johnson bowls one short in the rib-region to Misbah who has shuffled but then looks to fend away, the ball hits his glove and pops just wide of the bowler. Haris then receives a quick accurate bouncer and he does well to duck under it. Good stuff from Johnson, this will bosst his confidence. Just one run off the over.

After 10 overs, Pakistan 37/2 (Haris 7, Misbah 8)

The Aussies have been electric in the field so far. There is a huge shout for an LBW against Misbah but the umpire turned it down. The height was a problem there. Misbah then takes a single and then Haris thumps one to cover where the fielder dives and makes a brilliant stop. Just the one run off the over. The Aussies are saving crucial runs in the field and that has put more pressure on Pakistan.

After 9 overs, Pakistan 35/2 (Haris 7, Misbah 6)

A good start from Johnson. Misbah is living dangerously. He’s shuffling way across the stumps. He gets lucky when he looks to drive one away from the body but gets an inside edge inches past the off stump for a streaky boundary. He is cautious with the other deliveries. Haris is looking confident and connecting them off the middle. 7 runs off the over.

Mitchell Johnson into the attack now.

After 8 overs, Pakistan 28/2 (Haris 6, Misbah 1)

Another tight over from Hazlewood. He’s bowling good lines. Sohail is timing them well but not finding gaps. He dabs one wide of third man for a couple. Just the two runs off the over.

After 7 overs, Pakistan 26/2 (Haris 4, Misbah 1)

A fiery over from Starc. He peppered Misbah with sharp short deliveries angling away. Misbah did well to duck or sway away. But this is terrific stuff from the Australian pacers. A maiden from Starc who is ramping up good pace.

After 6 overs, Pakistan 26/2 (Haris 4, Misbah 1)

Drama in the over, Hazlewood has Shehzad caught in the slips off the first ball. Misbah then has a big, big stroke of luck as he shuffles across and looks to flick a good length delivery but it flicks his pads and then kisses the stumps on the way to the keeper. The leg bail glows but doesn’t come off. Hazlewood thinks he’s got his man, Clarke for some unfathomable reasons ponders review but then things calm down as they come to know what really happened. Misbah then gets off the mark with a single to square leg. Two runs and a wicket off the over.

OUT! Shehzad departs now! Ahmed Shehzad c Clarke b Hazlewood 5 (13b 0x4 0x6) , Pakistan 24/2 (5.1) (Haris 4)

A tad full outside off, Shehzad goes for a booming drive but is done in by the away swing. He gets an outside edge to second slip where Clarke takes a very good low catch to his right. 

Misbah Ul Haq strides out to the middle in a similar situation……..

After 5 overs, Pakistan 24/1 (Shehzad 5, Haris 4)

A successful over for Australia. Just when it looked Sarfraz was getting into the groove, he threw away his wicket. He drove one through covers for a couple and then pulled it through square leg for a boundary. He then went for a needless dab and threw away his wicket. Haris Sohail got off the mark in style with a thumping four through point. 11 runs and a wicket off it.

OUT! Starc gets his 17th wicket of World Cup 2015! Sarfraz Ahmed c Watson b Starc 10 (16b 1×4 0x6), Pakistan 20/1 (4.4) (Shehzad 5)

It’s a big wicket of the in-form Sarfraz. Length delivery outside off, tailing away. Sarfraz pushes at it and gets an outside edge to first slip. Watson dives to his right and pouches a brilliant catch. Super stuff in the field from the Aussies. 

Haris Sohail is the new batsman.

After 4 overs, Pakistan 13/0 (Shehzad 5, Sarfraz 4)

A very good over from Hazlewood, he bowled disciplined lines and there was nothing much the batsmen could do. Just one single off the over.

After 3 overs, Pakistan 12/0 (Shehzad 5, Sarfraz 3)

A good over for Pakistan. They got a couple of singles and a couple of twos. They are going for their shots too. Shehzad goes for a drive off the first ball but is beaten by a Starc outswinger. The last one is short, Shehzad cuts it wide of third man for a couple. Faulkner with a very good stop. Sarfraz ia batting way outside his crease. Both bowlers not getting significant movement. 6 runs off the over.

After 2 overs, Pakistan 6/0 (Sarfraz 0, Shehzad 2)

Good start from Hazlewood but he missed his lines on a couple of occassions. He drifts one on Sarfraz’s pads who misses his flick and it runs away for four leg byes. The nest one is a tad wide, Sarfraz chases it for a slash but misses. Shehzad, meanwhile, has taken two singles and has rotated the strike , interesting! 5 runs off the over.

After 1 over, Pakistan 1/0 ( Shehzad 1, Sarfraz 0)

Aussies buzzing in the field. Sarfraz looks confident and positive. He drove one cripsly to point but Smith dived and made a brilliant stop. Starc then beat his inside edge with a lovely inswinger. Sarfraz then drive another one powerfully but straight to Smith at point. No much movement for Starc. But a good start anyway….

The Pakistan openers – Ahmed Shahzad and Sarfraz Ahmed have made their way out to the middle. Mitchell Starc will start off proceedings for Australia.

Right then! The players have made their way out to the middle for the National Anthems.

PITCH – The track looks an absolute belter. It’s hard but there is a bit of grass which might assist seam movement for the pacers. The pace and bounce will be consistent. Damien Fleming reckoncs if the batsmen get in, the teams might score around 275 – 300.

Pakistan XI: Shehzad, Sarfraz, Haris Sohail, Misbah, Akmal, Maqsood, Afridi, Wahab, Sohail, Rahat, Adil.

Australia XI: A Finch, D Warner, S Smith, M Clarke, G Maxwell, S Watson, J Faulkner, B Haddin, M Johnson, M Starc, J Hazlewood.

TOSS – Pakistan have won the toss and ELECTED TO BAT. They have gone unchanged. One change for Australia as Josh Hazlewood replaces Pat Cummins in the starting eleven.

Akram interview: To beat Australia, Pakistan’s bowlers need not just pace but discipline too – Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

STAT – Pakistan have won three of their last five World Cup games against Australia.

Meanwhile, four-time champions Australia have recovered well from a mixed start to live up to their billing as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Imran’s team won just one of their first five matches but bounced back to win the next five, including the final against England by 22 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

This time, Pakistan lost their opening two games against arch-rivals India and the West Indies before resurrecting their campaign with four straight wins to make the knock-out rounds.

History favours Australia, but Pakistan’s astonishing ability to conjure magical wins promises enthralling cricket today. Misbah-ul-Haq’s men are determined to replicate the success of their predecessors under Imran Khan who won the tournament Down Under in 1992 — and their paths bear an uncanny similarity.

Hello and welcome to the coverage of the 3rd quarterfinal between Pakistan and Australia at Adelaide Oval. Match starts at 9 am IST. Follow this space for live scores and updates.