There was a key moment in the third quarterfinal. It occurred when Australia were 59/3. Wahab Riaz was delivering the best spell he’ll ever bowl; an intimidating collection of head and throat seekers that had the Australians, particularly Shane Watson, ducking and fending for grim life. He enticed a false hook shot from Watson, and the simplest of catches was put down my Rahat Ali. The drop frustrated, exhausted Riaz and saw the wind exit the sails of the Pakistan challenge, and Watson would go on to hit the running runs.
Australia still had the batting power to reach the medium range target of 214 even if the catch, and another that was grassed when Glenn Maxwell was on 5, were taken. But it would have made things very interesting, especially if Wahab could have continued to direct the short balls.
Ultimately, 213 wasn’t good enough against the best batting lineup in the competition. The innings featured plenty of cameos but no lead role. 41 to Haris Sohail, 34 to Misbah, three 20’s and three teens made up unsatisfying effort. After giving up three wickets to the threatening Mitchell’s, the Pakistani batsman sung wildly and gave up four wickets to Josh Hazlewood and unbelievably two to Maxwell.
It was another case of a disappointing effort from a quarterfinal side. The losing sides in the three knockout games thus far have scored 133, 193 and 213. Not the scores that win games, or even remotely threaten the winners.
The Australian chase survived the hitch at 59/3 largely thanks to Steven Smith. He didn’t have the same troubles as Watson. Instead cover driving his way to the games top score and reinforcing the excellent deacons to have him come in at 3. He couldn’t quite see it out. He was LBW in a lazy manner on 65, however Maxwell and Watson were able to book Australia the semifinal spot against India.
Watson finished 64 not out. Maxwell was unbeaten on 44.
Australia roll on having impressed the punters enough to see their odds to win the tournament reduced to just $2.20.
Australia 216 for 4 (Smith 65, Watson 64*) beat Pakistan 213 (Haris Sohail 41, Hazlewood 4-35) by 6 wickets
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