Pakistan Champions won their first match against Australia after a tense chase. Australia Champions, while batting first, posted a competitive total of 189 at the loss of 7 wickets thanks to a brilliant batting display from Aaron Finch, who scored 68. The Pakistani contingent successfully chased the target thanks to a well made 63 by their skipper Younis Khan accompanied by the ever dependable Misbah-Ul-Haq. In this article, we will discuss how things unfolded in this epic clash. Scroll further to see Pakistan vs Australia Champions match Highlights.
Summary of Pakistan vs Australia Champions Match Highlights
The Australia Champions posted a total of 189 for 7 in their 20 overs against their opponents. Key performances included:
- Shaun Marsh: Scored 16 runs off 20 balls with a strike rate of 80.00, dismissed by Ajmal.
- Aaron Finch: Top-scored with 68 runs off 40 balls, including 9 fours and 3 sixes, with a strike rate of 170.00, caught by Tanvir off Riaz.
- Ben Dunk: Contributed 27 runs off 18 balls, including 4 fours, with a strike rate of 150.00, dismissed by Shoaib Malik.
- Callum Ferguson: Remained not out, scoring 26 runs off 16 balls with a strike rate of 162.50.
- Daniel Christian: Scored 9 runs off 9 balls, with a strike rate of 100.00, dismissed by Shoaib Malik.
- Ben Cutting: Scored 2 runs off 4 balls, dismissed by Afridi.
- Tim Paine (wk): Scored 0 runs, dismissed by Afridi.
- Nathan Coulter-Nile: Scored 25 runs off 10 balls, including 2 fours and 2 sixes, with a strike rate of 250.00, dismissed by Tanvir.
- Ben Laughlin: Remained not out with 1 run off 2 balls
“Cricket is a passion and a lifestyle for me.” – Shahid Afridi
Summary of Bowling Performance
The bowling attack of the opposition team was led by the following bowlers:
- Sohail Tanvir: Bowled 4 overs, conceding 31 runs and taking 1 wicket with an economy rate of 7.75.
- Sohail Khan: Bowled 2 overs, conceding 16 runs without taking a wicket, with an economy rate of 8.00.
- Aamer Yamin: Bowled 3 overs, conceding 30 runs without taking a wicket, with an economy rate of 10.00.
- Wahab Riaz: Bowled 3 overs, conceding 30 runs and taking 1 wicket, with an economy rate of 10.00.
- Saeed Ajmal: Bowled 2 overs, conceding 20 runs and taking 1 wicket, with an economy rate of 10.00.
- Shoaib Malik: Bowled 3 overs, conceding 24 runs and taking 2 wickets, with an economy rate of 8.00.
- Shahid Afridi: Bowled 3 overs, conceding 34 runs and taking 2 wickets, with an economy rate of 11.33.
Pakistan’s Chase Summary
Key Performers:
- Sharjeel Khan: Provided a brisk start with 17 runs off 11 balls, hitting 4 boundaries, at a strike rate of 154.55 before being bowled by B Lee.
- Kamran Akmal (wk): Played a crucial inning of 4 runs off 3 balls, caught by Christian off B Lee.
- Sohaib Maqsood: Made a quick 21 off 11 balls, hitting 0 boundaries and 3 sixes with an impressive strike rate of 190.91, caught and bowled by Coulter-Nile.
- Shoaib Malik: Scored 23 runs off 17 balls, including 2 boundaries and 1 six, at a strike rate of 135.29, caught by Cutting off Coulter-Nile.
- Younis Khan (c): Contributed a vital 63 off 41 balls, hitting 4 boundaries and 2 sixes, with a strike rate of 153.66, before being lbw to Doherty.
- Misbah-ul-Haq: Anchored the innings and saw Pakistan home with an unbeaten 46 off 30 balls, including 3 boundaries and 2 sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 153.33.
- Shahid Afridi: Played a cameo, scoring 11 off 5 balls, hitting 2 boundaries at a strike rate of 220.00.
Bowling Highlights:
- Brett Lee: Claimed 2 wickets, dismissing Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal.
- Nathan Coulter-Nile: Took 2 crucial wickets, including Sohaib Maqsood and Shoaib Malik.
- Xavier Doherty: Managed to get the wicket of Younis Khan.
Extras:
- 6 extras, including 3 leg byes and 3 wides.
Total Score:
- Pakistan chased down the target of 191 with 2 balls to spare, scoring 191 for 5 in 19.4 overs.
Overall Performance: Pakistan’s chase was characterized by a strong start and consistent contributions from their middle order. Kamran Akmal set the platform, while Misbah-ul-Haq’s composed and unbeaten 46 ensured they stayed on track. Sharjeel Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, and Younis Khan provided the necessary acceleration, and Shahid Afridi’s quickfire 11* sealed the victory. Despite the efforts of Brett Lee and Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pakistan’s batting depth and aggressive approach led them to successfully chase down the target with just two balls remaining as it can be seen in the Pakistan vs Australia Champions Match Highlights.
