© AFP
Highlights
James Faulkner took a record five-wicket haul after Steve Smith hit an unbeaten half-century to help Australia record a 21-run win and knock Pakistan out of the ICC World T20 2016 on Friday. (Scorecard | Highlights | News)
With the victory, Australia took their tally to four points – same as India – and will face the hosts in what will be a straight shootout between the two teams for a place in the semifinals. New Zealand have already booked their berth in the semifinals with a hattrick of wins.
Faulkner’s figures in this match are the best for Australia in T20Is. He became the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul for Australia in T20Is.
Australia, electing to bat, found themselves in a spot of bother after being reduced to 57 for three in 7.2 overs. Glenn Maxwell smashed 30 off 18 balls to give Australia some much-needed momentum.
Smith (61 off 43 balls) and Shane Watson combined to add 74 runs off just 38 balls for the fifth wicket and helped Australia post 193 for four.
Sharjeel Khan smashed 30 off 19 balls to give Pakistan a flying start. However, once again they lost wickets at regular intervals to be restricted to 172 for eight.
Khalid Latif top-scored with 46 off 41 balls while Shoaib Malik hit 40 off 20 balls but it just wasn’t enough for the Pakistanis.
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Source: NDTV