ICC World Cup T20: Australia defeats Pakistan by 5 wickets to enter final

KATHMANDU: Australia has entered the final of the ICC World Cup Twenty20 underway in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Australia secured a berth in the final by defeating Pakistan by five wickets in the second semi-final yesterday.

Chasing the 177-run target set by Pakistan, Australia reached it in 19 overs losing five wickets. David Warner top-scored with 49 runs followed by Matthew Wade with 41 runs while Marcus Stoinis made 40 not out runs. In reply, Pakistan’s Shadab Khan took highest four wickets of Australia.

Earlier, invited to bat first after losing the toss, Pakistan had notched up 176 runs losing four wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 67 runs followed by Fakhar Zaman with 55 runs while Babar Azam made 39 runs. In reply, Australia’s Mitchell Starc took highest two wickets.

Pakistan had reached the semi-final by becoming the winner of the Group 2 and Australia is the first runner up from Group 1.

Australia, now, will lock horns with New Zealand in the final for the title.