WC 2023: Australia Beat Pakistan By 62 Runs

The Green Shirts were all out for 305 runs in 45.3 overs

WC 2023: Australia Beat Pakistan By 62 Runs

Australia won their second straight World Cup match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India, on Friday, defeating Pakistan by 62 runs.

After establishing an enormous 368-run target courtesy of a 259-run partnership between Mitchell Marsh and David Warner, the Aussies were able to limit the Green Shirts to 305 runs.

Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique, Pakistan's opening combination, got off to a terrific start together with a partnership of 134 runs, the first time a Pakistani opening pair had scored a century against Australia in a World Cup match.

But after amassing 64 runs, Abdullah was taken out due to a top edge on a delivery from Marcus Stoinis. Imam followed the right-handed batsman to the pavilion for 70 runs shortly after he lost his wicket.

Pakistan needed a strong partnership to rally the squad, as they were 154-2 after 23.4 overs. However, Adam Zampa withdrew captain Babar Azam from the game after he had scored 18 runs courtesy of a superb catch by Pat Cummins.

After the entrance of Iftikhar Ahmed, the 33-year-old began hitting boundaries, and it appeared as though Pakistan might once again be able to tie the score. The Green Shirts continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.

Adam Zampa gave the Australians the much-needed breakthrough by getting rid of Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar in consecutive overs.

In 45.3 overs, the Green Shirts were all out for 305 runs.

Australia, batting first, amassed the highest World Cup total against Pakistan with 367 runs on the board.

Australia's highest-ever opening partnership in World Cup cricket history was struck by Warner and Marsh, who combined for 259 runs. In World Cup cricket, it was also the first occasion Pakistan has let up more than a 200-run partnership.

In addition, Australia's opening partnership was the second-highest by any team and had the second-highest wicket total ever.

Warner struck 163 on the scoreboard, the best individual score against Pakistan in World Cup cricket, surpassing Andrew Symonds' 2003 total of 143. Marsh got 121 runs before Afridi bowled him.

Pakistan's best bowler was 23-year-old Shaheen Afridi, who claimed five wickets in his second World Cup match.