Pakistan won by 4 Wickets and top in Group A

Tags: World Cup 2011, Australia v Pakistan 40th Match at Colombo - Mar 19, 2011, Australia, Pakistan, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011

Published on: Mar 19, 2011

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Asad Shafiq fell short of his fifty, which was soon followed by a rash of blood from Shahid Afridi to give Australia the much-needed wickets to come back into the Group A match here on Saturday.

Asad Shafiq fell short of his fifty, which was soon followed by a rash of blood from Shahid Afridi to give Australia the much-needed wickets to come back into the Group A match here on Saturday.

Earlier, Lee provided Australia the much-needed early breakthrough when he dismissed Pakistan opener Mohammad Hafeez (5) to lift Aussie spirits while defending a paltry 176.

A partnership of sorts ensued between Kamran Akmal and young Asad Shafiq but could only go as far as 33 runs.

Just when it looked Kamran and Shafiq had steadied Pakistan, Lee struck once again - courtesy UDRS - by dismissing Kamran (23) to keep Australian hopes alive.

Pakistan's new No. 3 Shafiq continued to impress with his fighting knock, in partnership with the experienced Younis, that put his team on path to a famous win over Australia here on Saturday.

But Lee came back and reduced the score to 98/4 from 98/2 in the space of two balls.

Ricky Ponting's decision to bring Lee back into the attack turned into gold as the speedster got two wickets in as many balls when he sent back the experienced duo of Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq.

Pakistan's two young guns Shafiq (46) and Umar Akmal then lifted Pakistan with gritty knocks after Brett Lee's double strike. While Umar chose to attack, Shafiq looked to anchor the innings by rotating the strike.

In the afternoon, a devastating bowling and fielding display by Pakistan saw Australia dismissed for just 176 - their lowest World Cup total since 1992.

Pacemen Umar Gul (3-30) and Abdul Razzaq (2-8) exposed the untested Australian batting after Ricky Ponting won the toss and decided to bat on a seemingly flat pitch, which had traces of grass.

All the other bowlers chipped in with one wicket apiece as only Brad Haddin (42), Michael Clarke (34) and Steve Smith (25) offered resistance in a match where the winner will top Group A.

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