Australia beat Pakistan by 14 runs in warm-up match
Cricket
In the first warm-up match, the New Zealand edged out Pakistan by five wickets
(Web Desk) – A strong partnership between Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed went in vein as Australia restricted Pakistan to 337, winning the warm-up match of World Cup 2023 by 14 runs at Hyderabad Stadium on Tuesday.
Aussies bowled out the team green in 47.4 overs. Chasing a giant target of 352 runs, Pakistan lost quick four wickets of Fakhar Zaman (22), Imamul Haq (16), Abdullah Shafique (12) and Shadab Khan (9), putting the opponent team in commanding position.
At this point, the middle order made a strong comeback as Babar and Iftikhar amassed 83 and 90 runs, respectively. However, Babar retired out at 90 after Iftikhar was dismissed by Marnus Labuschagne. Mohammad Nawaz attempted to maintain the momentum as he made 50 off 42 before dismissal.
It was the major dent for Pakistan as tail order could not hold the nerves to win the game.
Earlier, Australia had set a mammoth target of 352 runs for Pakistan in the warm-up match of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 at Hyderabad Stadium on Tuesday.
David Warner and Mitcher Marsh took a strong start as they made 48 and 31, respectively before the opening pair was dismissed by Usama Mir.
Steve Smith (27) and Marnus Labuschagen (40) tried to maintain the momentum before their partnership was broken apart by Haris Rauf. After Smith’s dismissal, Alex Carey stayed for a brief time on the crease.
Pakistani bowlers were trying to build pressure on the opponent team but it was Glenn Maxwell, who played heroic knock of 77 runs to give push to the total. After his dismissal, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis made 50 and 48, respectively to finish the innings in commanding position.
Australia had won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2023 warm-up match.
The mega event will start from Oct 5 in India and Pakistan will play its first match against Netherland on Oct 6.
Preparations are underway for the next challenge #WeHaveWeWill | #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/4RbX2oT6oe
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 2, 2023
In the first warm-up match, the New Zealand edged out Pakistan by five wickets in Hyderabad. The winner side had chased down Pakistan's 345 in their opener.
The second warm-up match is being played in Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad.
