On Wednesday (June 12), the fickle nature of their cricket was on full display across both innings. It was a mixed-bag effort with the ball and on the field from Pakistan after they opted to bowl. They overcame indiscipline with the ball and mediocrity with their catching to restrict Australia to 307.
Riding on a strong 146-run platform provided by Aaron Finch and David Warner, who registered the first century partnership for the opening wicket against Pakistan in a World Cup game since 1996, Australia had crossed the 200-run mark by the time the 32nd over was completed and were looking good for a total in excess of 350.
However, Mohammad Amir provided the script for Pakistan’s fightback with a five-wicket haul as A fortuitous edge that went between ‘keeper and first slip, helping Warner to his 15th ODI ton, and a simple catch being put down by Asif Ali off Riaz again, summed up the contrasting day for the batsman and bowler in question.
For Australia, Glenn Maxwell’s promotion the desired result, with both failing in their bid to get the big hits going and contributing to Australia’s late collapse.
