World Cup 2019: Australia moves to No.2 by beat Pakistan in thriller clash

It was a treat to watch, Australia defeat Pakistan by 41 runs in Taunton and have registered their third win of World Cup 2019. No doubt, this was a remarkable comeback by Australia who had crashed to a 36-run defeat against India at The Oval on Sunday.   

Despite getting a fiery start by the openers, Australia were bundled out for 307 in 49 overs against Pakistan, all thanks to the maiden five-wicket-haul by fast bowler Mohammad Amir. It was David Warner, who showed some great hands with the bat and scored his 15th ODI century. He, single-handedly, took Pakistan back into the game.

Warner remained top-scorer for Australia, smashing 107 runs off 111 balls. Skipper Aaron Finch also played a splendid 84-ball 82-run knock, laced with six fours and four sixes.

But in the end, Australia held their nerves in a tense finish. Seems like, Pakistan’s decision to field first didn’t go as planned initially as both Australian openers demolished the opponent’s pace attack and added 146 runs for the first wicket.

In the second half, Pakistan got off to a dismal start as Cummins dealt Pakistan the first blow dismissing opener Fakhar Zaman for a duck in the third over. Babar Azam and Imam ul Haq then tried to lift the side but Nathan Coulter Nile ended Azam’s (30) challenge. Mohammad Hafeez along with Haq then took the score past 100-mark keeping Pakistan afloat. But Cummins struck again to get rid of Haq after his fighting knock of 53. Very soon, Cummins claimed his third victim in the form of Shoaib Malik who gave an easy catch behind the stumps without even opening his account. Meanwhile, Skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed and Wahab Riaz fought back for Pakistan, but Mitchell Starc struck at the right time to get rid of tee latter after 64-run stand.

Australia will next take on Sri Lanka on June 15 while Pakistan take on India on June 16.