Australia defeated Pakistan by 14 runs in a thrilling ICC Men's ODI World Cup warm-up match on Tuesday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, India.
The Men in Green lost their second practice game despite outstanding performances from captain Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed in the 352-run chase.
With a partnership of 35 runs, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq sent Pakistan off to a strong start. Glenn Maxwell's deft delivery ultimately led to Fakhar Zaman's dismissal after several lovely shots.
As the third batsman, Abdullah Shafique failed to have much of an effect after falling to Sean Abbott's incisive bowling.
Pakistan's innings were highlighted by Babar Azam, who played elegant and graceful batting. He was in excellent form, and it was fun to watch him take shots. He had to retire, but not before brilliantly scoring 90 runs off of just 59 balls.
Iftikhar Ahmed provided outstanding assistance for Babar Azam as the pair put up a 144-run stand for the fifth wicket. Iftilkhar scored 83 runs, including four sixes and six fours.
Mohammad Nawaz assumed over when Babar Azam left. He batted an explosive 42-ball 50, blasting six boundaries and six extras.
Due to some late pyrotechnics from Usama Mir and Hasan Ali, Pakistan continued to score runs as the overs progressed. They increased runs while going after a 352 target.
The bowlers from Australia, notably Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Marnus Labuschagne, and Mitchell Marsh, made every effort to stop the batters from Pakistan. Labuschagne was the best bowler, picking up three significant wickets.
Pakistan eventually completed their innings with 337 runs overall and nine wickets lost.
Prior to this, Australian batsmen chose to bat first and showed no compassion to Pakistani pacers, scoring a staggering 351 runs in 50 overs.