Colombo, March 19:Pakistan brought an end to Australia’s 34-game winning streak in the cricket World Cup by handing them a four-wicket defeat in the penultimate Group A 2011 ICC World Cup game. Umar Akmal, with an unbeaten innings of 44, guided Pakistan to victory as the maverick side overhauled Australia’s score of 176 on the day.
Earlier, Australia won the toss and opted to bat first. Their batting line-up struggled against an all-round show by the Pakistani bowlers, with Umar Gul leading the way with figures of three for 30. For Australia, Brad Haddin (42), Michael Clarke (34) and Steven Smith (25) helped the side avoid the ignominy of being bowled out for under 150. Their eventual total, 176 all out in 46.4 overs, was Australia’s lowest score in a World Cup encounter since 1992.
In reply, Pakistan were cruising along to a comfortable win with Asad Shafiq and Younis Khan steering the run chase when Brett Lee was brought back into the bowling attack. The pacer removed Khan (31) and Misbah-ul-Haq (0) off consecutive deliveries to leave Pakistan wobbling at 98 for four in 22.5 overs.
Forty-one runs later, Pakistan suffered a similar hiccup with Shafiq (46) and Shahid Afridi (2) falling within a gap of six deliveries. At 142 for six, Pakistan were just 35 short of the victory target with four wickets in hand.
At this critical juncture, Umar Akmal (44*) held his nerve and, in the company of Abdul Razzaq (20*), took Pakistan home with four wickets to spare. For Australia, Brett Lee finished with figures of four for 28.
The win takes Pakistan to the top of Group A and depending on the outcome of the India-West Indies encounter, they will either play West Indies or England in the quarter-final. Australia, who have qualified for the quarter-finals as well, will play either West Indies or India next.
Brief scores:Pakistan 178 for 6 in 41 overs (Asad Shafiq 46, Umar Akmal 44* Brett Lee 4/28) beat Australia 176 all out in 46.4 overs (Brad Haddin 42, Michael Clarke 34, Umar Gul 3/30, Abdul Razzaq 2/8) by four wickets
Man-of-the-Match:Umar Akmal for his composed knock of 44* that saw Pakistan home and broke Australia’s winning streak in the World Cup
