Out! Shaheen Shah Afridi tries to hit Pat Cummins over the ropes and gets caught at deep mid-wicket. That's the end for Pakistan and an anti-climactic end to what has been one of the best games in the competition so far. Pakistan were in the chase for long till the last spell by Adam Zampa which completely turned the game in Australia's favour. Relief for Australia, worries for Pakistan from here on.
Out! It's Hasan Ali who is now dismissed. Tries to ramp Mitchell Starc only to get beaten by pace and gloves the ball to the hands of Jos Inglis. It is definitely a matter of time now. A fairly close game turned on it's head in minutes.
Out! Adam Zampa foxes Mohammad Nawaz. Nawaz just stepped out and hit for a six and this time Zampa anticipates his premediations and kept the ball short, flat and away from his reach. Jos Inglis takes the bail off with ease as Nawaz stands out of the safety of his crease.
Out! Pakistan are coming down quickly now. Usama Mir had no clue of Josh Hazlewood's intentions and just swung hard at one of his deliveries only to hand a simple catch to Mitchell Starc at fine leg. This seems to be a matter of time now.
Out! Mohammad Rizwan perishes! Body blow for Pakistan and that might be the match. Rizwan tries to shuffle and hit Zampa on the onside but the ball skids and hits his leg. DRS shows the ball clipping the stumps. Enough for Australia as they finally smell victory now.
Out! Big wicket for Australia as Iftikhar Ahmed departs. Smart Adam Zampa, makes one skid through and Iftikhar gets trapped in front of them wicket. Iftikhar looked a dream against fast bowling and at this stage it can be the deciding factor.
Out! Saud Shakeel, who was looking really dangerous has departed. Pat Cummins hits the deck and Shakeel goes late on the pull, top edging it. Marcus Stoinis takes a very good catch over his shoulder. Another tricky period for Pakistan where they can't slow down and also has to save wickets.
Out! It is the big fish, Pakistan Captain Babar Azam. Pat Cummins brings Adam Zampa to attack, Babar rocks back to pull and Pat Cummins dives to his right to grab a blinder. Pakistan in trouble now.
Out! It is Marcus Stoinis again. Picks up the set batter Imam-ul-Haq. Goes short and Imam flashes at it on the off side. Mitchell Starc covers good ground and then takes a diving catch. A tricky phase for Pakistan incoming where they have to score fast and also need to keep wickets in hand.
Out! First one down for Pakistan. Abdullah Shafique charges down the wicket to Marcus Stoinis first ball and it takes a top edge falling gently in the hands of Glenn Maxwell. Stoinis spotted Abdullah charge and cramped him up.
Australia and Pakistan meet in what is expected to be a fascinating ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 contest on October 20. Both teams have had contrasting starts to the tournament. Australia, the five-time champions, were handed a heavy defeat by India in their campaign opener and even a poorer performance against South Africa in their second match saw them lose on two on the trot. The Pat Cummins-led side did however manage to bounce back with a victory over Sri Lanka in the third match where they registered their first points on the board. In contrast, Pakistan began the CWC 2023 campaign with two wins from as many matches before suffering a heavy defeat against India. The Babar Azam-led side does have four points but Pakistan are yet to produce a clinical performance in the tournament so far. Australia vs Pakistan, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Free Live Streaming Online: How To Watch AUS vs PAK CWC Match Live Telecast on TV?
Both teams have had some very memorable matches in the history of the ODI World Cup and would be keen on adding another chapter to this rivalry. While it is all about bouncing back on track for Pakistan, all of Australia's focus would lie on continuing the momentum they gained from the win over Sri Lanka. Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium, known for its short boundaries, will host this match and a cracker is on the cards!
Squads:
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Agha Salman, Fakhar Zaman, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr
Australia: Mitchell Marsh, David Warner, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(w), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins(c), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Cameron Green