ICC T20: AUS vs PAK - Australia eliminated 2009 cham- Navbharat Times Photodhamal

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Australia eliminated 2009 champion Pakistan in a 21-run group-stage win on March 25 (Friday) and kept alive its own hopes of a first World Twenty20 title.

In This Pic : Team Australia

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

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Captain Steven Smith smashed seven fours in an unbeaten 61 off 43 balls to lead Australia's charge to an imposing 193-4 after electing to bat in the Group 2 game. Pakistan could manage only 172-8 in reply, undone by James Faulkner's 5-27.

In This Pic : Steven Smith

Pic Courtesy : PTI

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Smith, who scored only 28 runs in five previous T20s against Pakistan, bound the Australia innings together with two useful partnerships. He added 62 runs for the fourth wicket with Glenn Maxwell (30 off 18) and then 74 for the unbroken fifth-wicket with Shane Watson (44 not out off 21). Smith and Watson helped Australia score 58 runs in the last four overs to swell the total beyond Pakistan's comfort.

In This Pic : Steven Smith, Shane Watson

Pic Courtesy : PTI

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Smith batted himself in and then dominated the bowling by often taking guard outside the off stump and exposing his stumps to unsettle the bowlers. He took control in the middle overs as Australia reached the 100-run mark in 12.1 overs, and the 150-run mark in 16.6.

In This Pic : Steven Smith

Pic Courtesy : PTI

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Opener Sharjeel Khan made a 19-ball 30 with six fours, and Umar Akmal 32 off 20 with three fours and a six, while Shoaib Malik remained not out on 40. Sharjeel was dismissed by Faulkner, who came on later for two double strikes in successive overs during mounting pressure for Pakistan.He took four wickets in the space of six deliveries spread over two overs as the Pakistan batsmen desperately tried big shots.

In This Pic : Sharjeel Khan

Pic Courtesy : PTI