World Cup 2023: Australia on top after Pakistan loses three wickets in big chase

Pakistan is off to a strong start in pursuit of a massive target of 368 runs against Australia in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Friday.

 In the eighteenth match of the Multinational event at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, 'Men in Green' started well, adding 59 runs in the batting powerplay without losing any wickets. 

Fifties for Pakistan's opener

The opnening pair of Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq tackled the Aussie challenge and adding 134 runs partnership for first wicket before the former batter got dismissed by Marcus Stoinis after scoring 64 runs in 61 delivereis inclding seven boundaries and two maximums. Pakistan was 134 runs in 21.1 overs.

5️⃣0️⃣ 🆙

Solid innings from @imabd28 as he brings up his second ODI half-century 🙌#AUSvPAK | #DattKePakistani | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/aEuj9IvAsh

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 20, 2023

Double Stike by Marcus Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis strikes again in his second over of the spell, removing Imam-ul-Haq, who goes for the uppercut and gets caught near the square third-man boundary. Pakistan is reduced to 154/2 in 23.4 overs. Imam scored 70 runs off 71 deliveries including 10 boundaries. 

Both openers with fifties 👏

20th ODI half-century by @ImamUlHaq12 🏏#AUSvPAK | #DattKePakistani | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/G1ETEXajN3

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 20, 2023

ICC's top-ranked ODI batter, Babar Azam, and Pakistan's wicketkeeper took to rescue Pakistan's innings after the double attack of Marcus Stoinis but Adam Zampa didn't let that happen. 

Pakistan 179/3 in 27 overs

Zampa removed the veteran batter Babar Azam, who went for the big shot and got caught by Australian skipper Pat Cummins. Babar scored 18 runs off 14 deliveries during his short stay. 

Big hundreds from David Warner and Mitchell Marsh

Earlier in the game, daddy hundreds from David Warner and Mitchell Marsh put Australia on top. Australia posted 367/9 in 50 overs. 

Explosive opener Warner smashed 163 runs off 124 balls, including fourteen boundaries and nine maximums. Meanwhile, his opening partner Marsh hammered 121 runs off 108 deliveries, including 10 fours and nine maximums. Meanwhile, Pakistan fought back attacking late in the innings with Shaheen Afridi scalping a five-wicket haul and Haris Rauf taking three wickets.