Image Source- AP
Glenn Maxwell and Babar Azam showcased their batting
prowess as Australia edged past Pakistan in what was another high-scoring game
here in Hyderabad ahead of the start of the World Cup.
Australia used the warm-up to full tilt, giving their
part-time spinners an extended run with the ball to test their likelihood to
bowl in the tournament proper. The likes of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne,
and even David Warner rolled their arm for extended period with varying degrees
of success.
Batting first, Australia reached a very competitive
351/7, with run contributions from David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis,
and Cameron Green. Maxwell scored 77 in 70 balls in what was his second
meaningful hit with the bat after his long layoff. He would be glad with the
runs under his belt as he middled the ball well and did not show any signs of
discomfort during his stay in the middle.
In reply, Pakistan started the chase like a house on
fire, with Imam-ul-Haq providing the early impetus. However, a mixture of top
bowling and some shoddy shot-selection saw the Men in Green slump to 63/4 in no
time.
Babar and Iftikhar then began their rebuild, just at
the same time when Australia decided to give a long rope to their part-timers.
Both batters took full advantage of this lifeline, pumping the likes of Warner
and Smith to all ends of the ground, and bringing them close to the target.
Once Babar walked off at 90 and with Iftikhar dismissed
on 83, Australia put on their game faces by bringing in their main bowlers. With
21 to get in the final three overs and one wicket in hand, Cummins turned to
Labuschagne once more. He conceded six off his first three balls, before a
Hasan Ali slog found Mitchell Marsh at long-off, ending a chaotic game
Pakistan will have a myriad of questions to answer,
especially in terms of their bowling, while Australia will look forward to their
opening game against India with a better semblance of coherence.