In a highly anticipated Cricket World Cup group game in Bangalore, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh delivered a stunning performance that inspired Australia to a decisive 62-run victory over Pakistan.
The Australian openers shared a record-breaking partnership of 259 runs from just 203 balls, which is the highest opening stand in a World Cup for their team and the second-highest in the competition.
This was particularly impressive given that Pat Cummins lost the toss and his team was put in to bat.
Pakistan’s star bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi managed to inflict a mini-collapse at the back end of Australia’s innings, taking 5-54, but the damage had already been done. Australia scored a total of 367-9, setting a formidable target for Pakistan to chase.
In the run chase, Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq shared an opening partnership worth 134 runs from 127 balls, with both batsmen reaching their half-centuries before being dismissed by Marcus Stoinis.
However, despite their promising start, Pakistan’s performance eventually faltered as Adam Zampa took charge for Australia.
Zampa picked up four wickets, including that of Mohammad Rizwan after a successful lbw review.
When Rizwan departed, so too did Pakistan’s hopes, as they were bowled out for 305 with four-and-a-half overs remaining.
Warner was the star of the show for Australia, smashing an incredible 163 runs from just 124 balls, notching his 21st ODI century in the process.
He also managed to score his fourth consecutive century against Pakistan, hitting 14 fours and nine sixes.
His stunning performance was particularly impressive given that he was dropped by leg-spinner Usama Mir on just 10 runs.
Marsh also delivered an impressive performance, scoring a half-century in just 40 deliveries.
The pair beat Shane Watson and Brad Haddin’s opening-stand record for Australia of 183 against Canada in 2011.
Speaking after the game, Pakistan captain Babar Azam praised Australia’s performance, admitting that the first 34 overs in the field cost his team.
Meanwhile, Australia captain Pat Cummins was delighted with his team’s performance, praising the openers for setting the tone and Zampa for his excellent bowling.
Australia will now head to Delhi to face the Netherlands on Wednesday, October 25, while Pakistan will come up against Afghanistan in Chennai on Monday, October 23.
