In the ongoing ICC World Cup match held at Bengaluru, Australian openers David Warner and Mitchel Marsh delivered spectacular centuries, propelling their team to an imposing total of 367 runs against Pakistan. The two openers crafted a record-breaking partnership of 259 runs for the opening stand, putting immense pressure on the Pakistani bowlers.
After winning the toss, Babar Azam, the Pakistani captain, opted to invite Australia to bat first on a pitch that appeared favorable to the batsmen. This decision proved to be in favor of the Australians, as their openers aggressively took on the Pakistani bowling attack, scoring at a rate of over 8 runs per over. The only opportunity that Pakistan managed to create came via a drop catch by Usama at mid-on, allowing Warner to continue his aggressive innings. The Australian openers reached the 100-run mark within just 11 overs.
Both Marsh and Warner achieved their centuries in style and maintained their aggressive stance against the Pakistani bowlers. Pakistan found some respite when Shaheen Afridi struck twice in the 34th over, removing Marsh for 121 runs, which included 9 sixes and 10 fours, and the dangerous Maxwell for a duck. In the 39th over, Usama Mir dismissed Steven Smith for 7 runs, leaving Australia at 284 for 3 in the 39th over.
However, David Warner continued to accelerate his innings at the same high tempo, eventually reaching 150 runs. His remarkable innings featured 9 sixes and 14 boundaries. Warner was eventually dismissed by Haris Rauf, who was the most expensive bowler of the day. Warner’s departure became a nightmare for Pakistan, especially after they had dropped a catch when he was on just 10 runs. At this stage, Australia had reached 325 for 4 in 42.2 overs.
In the 45th over, Haris Rauf also claimed the wicket of Josh Inglis for 13 runs as Australia’s total reached 339. Following the dismissals of Warner and Marsh, the remaining batters contributed crucial runs to the total. Marnus Labuschagne replaced Inglis, and together with Stoinis, they pushed the scoreboard forward. However, in the 48th over, Shaheen Afridi dismissed Stoinis for 21. In the 49th over, Haris removed Labuschagne for 8, while Shaheen dismissed Starc in the final over. Australia added a few more runs and finished with a total of 367 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Although Pakistani pacers and spinners delivered some commendable deliveries towards the end, it proved to be too little too late to prevent Australia from posting a formidable total.
Shaheen Afridi was the most successful bowler for Pakistan, taking 5 wickets in his 10 overs while conceding just 54 runs. Haris Rauf also claimed three wickets but proved to be expensive, giving away 83 runs in his 8 overs. Usama Mir secured one wicket.
