Australia were back in action yesterday, looking to hang onto their number 2 place on the log, they were up against Pakistan who were looking to emulate their performance against England and upset the Aussies. Both sides went into the game without a specialist spinner and with Australia bringing in Shaun Marsh into the side for the 1st time in the tournament.

Pakistan won the toss and sent the Baggy Greens in to bat first. The Australian opening pair of David Warner and Aaron Finch set to work on the Pakistani bowlers. 

The two put up an opening stand of 146 before skipper Aaron Finch was dismissed for 82 from 84 deliveries. Steve Smith and Glen Maxwell fell cheaply but Warner soldiered on to bring up his first century in the tournament, scoring 107 from 111 balls, on the way to his teams score of 307 all out.

Pakistan’s run chase struggled to get going, losing 2 early wicket in 11 overs. Mohammed Hafeez and Imam Ul-Haq set about putting together a decent chase before the latter was dismissed by Pat Cummins for 53. Cummins would go on to take more 2 more wickets in his ten overs as a middle order collapse left the all-rounder’s and bowlers with all the batting work to do. Pakistan skipper, Safraz Ahmed, dropped his anchor, taking on the role of team saviour. But, the skipper as the tenth wicket, perished in the 46th over, handing Australia a 41 run win. 

The win sees the Australia retain their number 2 position on the log, and preparing to face Sri Lanka on Saturday June 15. 

@Samludidi - OFM Sport