As It Happened: Australia vs Pakistan, 3rd Quarter-Final Match in Adelaide
Live cricket score and ball-by-ball commentary of the 3rd World Cup quarter-final match between Australia and Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Friday.
Australia defeated Pakistan by six wickets on Friday to set-up a World Cup semi-final against defending champions India. Catch all the highlights of the match here: (SCORECARD | SCHEDULE)
Chasing just 214 to win at the Adelaide Oval, four-time champions Australia finished on 216 for four in the 34th over after Steve Smith (65) and Shane Watson (64 not out), who was dropped on four, had starred with the bat.
Pakistan were dismissed for just 213 after winning the toss, with Haris Sohail top-scoring with 41 while skipper Misbah-ul-Haq made 34.
The defeat signalled the end of the one-day international careers of Misbah and fellow Pakistan veteran Shahid Afridi.
Australia will face India at Sydney on March 26 while the other semi-final, in Auckland on March 24, pits South Africa against either New Zealand or the West Indies.
Australia vs Pakistan
Josh Hazlewood is named the Man of the Match for his four wickets and that is all we have for you from this game. Australia will now play India at the SCG on 26th March. But that is for later. Tomorrow is the final quarter-final between New Zealand and West Indies from Wellington at 0630 IST. Till then, it is goodbye from us.
Special mention to Wahab Riaz who was in the middle of a fiery spell but things did not go his way else the outcome could have been a lot different. But as they say, these things happen in the sport and Pakistan have to bite the bullet this time.
Australia lost Finch early, Warner didn't last long either but the batsman of the day was Steven Smith who looked untroubled as he stitched an 89-run stand with Watson. Watson was lucky to survive that drop but weathered the storm to fight his way past 50. Glenn Maxwell came in and finished the innings off in typical Maxwell fashion and as a result, Australia go through to the semis for the 7th time, most by an team in the World Cups and Pakistan go out.
So often, a big match comes down to a matter of moments and today, Rahat Ali's drop of Watson proved to be the difference maker. What looked like a close contest turned out to be a dampener in the end. Australia's bowling was spot on and it was led by the young shoulders of Josh Hazlewood who picked up four wickets. Pakistan could only manage 213 without anyone getting to fifty.
FOUR! Watson hits the winning runs! Full and around off, Watson drives it through the covers and ends the match. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 6 WICKETS AND MAKE IT TO THE SEMIS!
Full on off, driven back straight to mid off.
Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. One run added to the total.
SIX! Crashed! Full on off, Maxwell makes room and nails it high and long and smashes it over cover for a biggie.
Full on the pads, clipped down to fine leg for a couple.
Banged in short, Watson ducks under it and evades it. 11 NEEDED OFF 102 BALLS.