The renowned Indian commentator, Harsha Bhogle, lauded Pakistan’s bowling at death in the 18th match of the ICC World Cup 2023 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India on Friday.
Bhogle, who started commentating from a young age, stated that the effort of the Pakistani bowlers in the later overs stopped the Aussies from scoring at least 25 more runs.
“You don't normally say this when the scoreboard shows 367 but this is a phenomenal comeback from Pakistan. Since Warner got out, Australia only got 41 from 46. It might still be too many but Pakistan will go back aware that they have pulled back at least 25,” Bhogle wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Pakistani bowlers — except Shaheen, Mohammad Nawaz and Iftikhar Ahmed — were taken to the cleaners by Australia’s opening duo of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh.
Australia were on their way to scoring 400 runs but Pakistan’s world-class effort at the death restricted the five-time World Champions under 370 and gave his batting side hope to chase down the target.
After Warner was removed, Australia were at 325-4 in 42.2 overs. However, for the next 7.4 overs, the Aussies could only score 41 runs in 46 balls courtesy of a fantastic display with the ball by the Men in Green.
Warner and Marsh formed a 259-run stand and created history as that was Australia’s highest-ever opening stand in World Cup cricket. It was also the first time Pakistan conceded more than a 200-run partnership in World Cup cricket.
The opening stand was also Australia's second-highest for any wicket ever and the second-highest by any team ever.
Marsh scored 121 runs before Afridi dismissed him while Warner posted 163 on the scoreboard — the highest individual score against Pakistan in World Cup cricket, beating Andrew Symonds’ 143 in 2003.
Australia also became the team to score the most runs in an innings against Pakistan in the tournament's history, overtaking Sri Lanka who scored 344 earlier in the ongoing event in Hyderabad.
Pakistan made one change from the team defeated by India with Mir coming in for fellow leg spinner Shadab Khan.
Australia are unchanged following their win against Sri Lanka, their first in the tournament after two opening losses. Pakistan have two wins and one defeat.