(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Babar Azam-led Pakistan failed to secure a win against the five-time World Cup champions Australia in the 18th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 held on Friday at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium
Despite losing the toss, Australia posted a total of 367 runs at the loss of nine wickets while batting first. Australian openers David Warner and Mitchell Marsh gave a standout performance with their 259-run partnership.
While chasing, Pakistan openers provided a refreshing start as Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq together accumulated 134 runs in the opening stand. However, the rest of the batters disappointed in the run-chase, especially captain Babar Azam, who got out to Adam Zampa after scoring a 14-ball 18.
As soon as Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Rizwan were trapped LBW in consecutive overs by Zampa, the hopes of Pakistani fans vanished. Australia bundled out the Men in Green at a score of 305 in 45.3 overs, securing a victory by 62 runs.
As Babar’s temperament in big games continue to get exposed, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh advised him to learn from Virat Kohli, who has been significant in is performance when it comes to big stages.
“Kohli is a Modren days legend without a question . Scored runs in every situation and conditions and won game for India .. Babar and many others should learn from King kohli ✌️baat khatam . Koi shak anyone ?” Harbhajan wrote on ‘X’.
After the defeat, Pakistan declined on the points table with Babar and Co. now placed at No. 5, while Australia overtook them to secure the No. 4 position.
Pakistan will next face Afghanistan on 23rd October in the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.