Home » T20 World Cup » #AUSvPAK | Australia knock Pakistan out of the World Cup to set up must-win clash against India
 
SPEED NEWS

#AUSvPAK | Australia knock Pakistan out of the World Cup to set up must-win clash against India

Speed News Desk | Updated on: 14 February 2017, 6:03 IST

Australia have knocked Pakistan out of the ICC World T20 after cruising to a 21 run victory at Mohali. This means Australia's next match against India becomes a knock out match for both teams, with the winner securing their place in the semi-final.

Pakistan started the mammoth chase of 194 well, with in-form batsman Sharjeel Khan hitting Nathan Coulter-Nile to all corners of the field. However, Ahmed Shehzad could not play his role of sheet anchor to perfection at the other end, needlessly giving away his wicket trying to play an expansive shot and piling pressure on Pakistan in the process.

Sharjeel too fell in quick succession to leave two new batsmen at the crease in Khalid Latif and Umar Akmal. Latif and Akmal accelerated the scoring rate but some good bowling by Australia meant that they too were dismissed for 46 and 32, respectively.

The problem from here on for Pakistan was the loss of wickets at regular intervals. Shahid Afridi was the only recognised batsman left who could guide Pakistan to victory, but he too lost his wicket trying to play a big shot. The jury is still out on whether this is Afridi's last match for Pakistan, but it was an unfortunate way to end a glorious career if it indeed is.

Pakistan ended their innings on 172 for 8. For Australia, there is still hope for making it to the semi-finals. For Pakistan, a big overhaul of the entire cricketing structure is sure to follow.

First published: 25 March 2016, 6:39 IST