Pakistan cruised to a comfortable win of 45 runs against Australia in the 5th T20I match of the tri-series. The world number one had put a competitive target of 194 in their 20 overs while batting first.
Fakhar Zaman had scored a fine 73 off just 42 balls. Furthermore, Shoaib Malik and Asif Ali were able to end the Pakistan innings on a high. Malik scored 27 off just 15 balls while Ali smashed 37 off only 18 balls.
A complete performance from Pakistan team.
On the other hand, Australia who was in good form failed to get going with the bat. Australia’s skipper Aaron Finch could not keep his good form going as he scored only 16 runs. D’Arcy Short struggled to make an impact at the top of the order as he crawled to 28 off 34 balls.
Furthermore, Australia’s middle order woes continued as their batters failed to put up a fight after the dismissal of their skipper. In fact, Australia was never in the game as they kept losing regular wickets.
Meanwhile, Pakistan ticked the right boxes with both bat and ball. First, their batters were able to put a decent target and then their bowlers backed their performance. Shaheen Afridi who was making his debut for Pakistan had a fine match. The southpaw fast bowler scalped three wickets in his four overs quota. Moreover, the fast bowler got the better of the Australian skipper, Aaron Finch.
It was a complete performance by the best team in the shortest format. Thus, this win must have given a shot in the arm to the Pakistan team ahead of the final which will be played on Sunday against Australia.
Meanwhile, Australia will like to get back to winning ways against Zimbabwe tomorrow.
Fakhar Zaman was given the Man of the match award for his blistering knock of 73 runs.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Pakistan easy win.
https://twitter.com/DennisCricket_/status/1014816671003897856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1014816671003897856&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crictracker.com%2Ftwitter-reactions-pakistan-annihilate-finch-co-end-league-phase-positive-note%2F
Shaheen taking wickets,always a good sign when the bench is strong,healthy competition now within the team.. #PAKvAUS
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) July 5, 2018
So, A Comprehensive Win After a Big Defeat. Well done #TeamPakistan ?? Good Luck for the Final now. #AUSvPAK ?
— Arslan Sonuu (@arslany2j) July 5, 2018
Pakistan left-arm fast bowling factory products. #Cricket
Past – Wasim Akram
Present – M Amir
Future – Shaheen Afridi— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) July 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/1014798443020259329
Memorable moment for 18 year old Shaheen Shah Afridi – first international wicket, the record-breaking Aaron Finch #AUSvPAK #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) July 5, 2018
Great win for Pakistan team MA ❤️? ??
Brilliant and a well deserved victory it's ?Got them Aussies real good bruh…! #AUSvPAK— Mystique ⁷ ? 5H stan (@mystiqueseoul) July 5, 2018
Pakistan's victory over Australia today is their first in T20Is since 23rd March, 2014 – Shoaib Malik the only player in the current team who also took part in that match. #AUSvPAK #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) July 5, 2018
This is Pakistan 9th victory against Australia in T20I. Pakistan won last T20I against Aus was back in march 2014 in ICC WT20, Bangladesh.#AUSvPAK #Cricket
— Irshad Ali (@irshadaajnews) July 5, 2018
Absolutely empty stadium at #AUSvPAK cricket match.
My theory: Bcoz of #FifaWorldCup2018 no one cares about cricket now a days. Which is a good thing. (My opinion)— Usama (@UsamaAhmad13) July 5, 2018