Opening batter David Warner played a crucial knock for his side during the second semi-final match between Australia and Pakistan on Thursday. The southpaw smashed 49 runs off just 30 balls, including 3 fours and as many sixes at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
However, he got out bizarrely as he decided to walk off the field despite not edging the ball. Pak all-rounder Shadab Khan claimed the all-important wicket of Warner on the first ball of the 11th over. However, Australia had a review left in their kitty but the 35-year-old decided against using it.
Adding to this, the replays showed that there was a significant gap between the bat and the ball and the batter would have survived had he challenged the on-field umpire’s decision.
Aussies edge out Babar Azam and Co in a thriller
Coming to the result of the game, Australia’s winning steak against Pakistan in the World Cup knockout games continues with their mind-blowing victory in the second semi-final match of the ongoing 2021 T20 WC.
Australia skipper Aaron Finch had earlier won the toss and opted to bowl first in a high-pressure knockout match. The opening pair of Mohammad Rizwan (67) and Babar Azam (39) provided their side with a great start just like most of the games in this competition. At three, Fakhar Zaman also found his lost mojo back with the bat with a thunderous knock of 55* runs in just 32 balls. As a result, the ‘Men in Green’ posted a massive total of 176/4 on the board at the end of their 20 overs.
In reply, the Pak bowlers provided their side with a great start with the all-important wicket of Finch in the first over. However, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh capitalised well from there before Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade produced carnage knocks of 40* and 41* runs respectively. The latter also went on to smash three consecutive sixes in the penultimate over against Shaheen Shah Afridi to finish off the game in style.
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