Warner, Marsh send Aussies back into World Cup top four
Australia’s World Cup campaign is back on track after David Warner and Mitch Marsh found form to power their side to a 62-run win over Pakistan.
In a crucial match for Australia’s finals hopes, Warner and Marsh both hit big centuries in a record-breaking 259-run opening stand to help Australia to 9-367 in Friday’s clash in Bengaluru.
Mitchell Marsh during Australia’s rampant opening partnership. Getty
Australia’s bowlers were then able to withstand an early attack from Pakistan’s top order, before steady wickets through the middle ensured they were all out for 305 in the 47th over.
The win lifts Australia back to level pegging with a 2-2 record after initially dropping their first two games, as they move into the top four qualifying spots.
Warner was the star of the show with his 163 from 124 balls, although there was a minor concern for Australia as he did not field due to a groin niggle.
Still, this victory was not as easy as the scoreboard suggested.
Needing to pull off the highest successful chase in World Cup history, Pakistan got to 1-134 after 21 as Australia spilled two chances early.
Marcus Stoinis celebrates the wicket of Imam-ul-Haq. Getty
Then Marcus Stoinis became the man to deliver.
He had Abdullah Shafique caught for 64 off the first ball he bowled, and then removed his opening partner Imam-ul-Huq out at deep third man for 70.
Josh Hazlewood (1-37) also bowled particularly tight to keep the pressure on Pakistan, while Adam Zampa proved the key finisher, claiming 4-53 to set off a late collapse.
The legspinner had both Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Rizwan lbw, just as the pair threatened to put Pakistan back in the match with 100 needed from 68 balls and five wickets in hand.
His ball to removed Ahmed was
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