Pakistan: Shoaib Malik’s incredible 18-ball 54 set the tone for Pakistan’s 72-run thrashing of Scotland in the T20 World Cup on Sunday.
Highlights
- Pakistan cruised to an easy win over Scotland on Sunday
- The win ensured Pakistan finished top of Group 2 in the T20 World Cup
- Pakistan will face Australia in the semi-finals of the tournament
Shoaib Malik, who has been playing international cricket since the turn of the century and before several of his current colleagues were born, led the way with an incredible 18-ball 54 to set up Pakistan’s 72-run thrashing of Scotland in the T20 World Cup on Sunday.
It was the tournament’s joint fastest half-century, partnering India opener KL Rahul’s 18-ball 50 against Scotland when Pakistan stopped Scotland at 117 for six after establishing a mammoth 189 for four.
Malik, 39, hammered six sixes during his whirlwind unbroken performance, which overshadowed skipper Babar Azam’s fourth half-century of the tournament, as her Indian tennis player wife Sania Mirza watched from the stands.
After hobbling to 60 for two at the midway stage, Pakistan pounded the back 10 for 129 runs.
In their penultimate Super 12 match, the in-form team delivered exactly what was expected of them, securing a semifinal matchup with Australia.
Pakistan burned their way into the last four with five victories in as many games, confirming their status as a strong contender.
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Pakistan scored 43 runs in the final two overs because of Malik’s assault, including 26 runs in Chris Greaves’ final six balls. Malik made his One-day International debut against West Indies at this identical venue in October 1999.
Wasim Akram, his first Pakistan captain, left the game almost two decades ago.
Rizwan was bowled by Hamza Tahir, who baited the batter with a tossed-up delivery before getting an under-edge to the wicketkeeper after he smoked Bradley Wheal for a massive six over deep mid-wicket.
The Scots deserve credit for keeping Pakistan’s scoring under control. As they ended the power play at 35 for no loss, which became 35 for one with Rizwan’s dismissal. In the first ball of the next over.
At 60 for two at the halfway point, Pakistan was not in good shape. As Scotland managed to restrict their opponents to a run a ball.
As Pakistan hit the back 10, things changed dramatically. With both Babar and the veteran Mohammad Hafeez (31 off 19 balls).
Ripping over the ropes at regular intervals during a quick 53-run third-wicket partnership.
When Babar was playing the ball along the ground, he was his usual exquisite self. But he also did not hesitate to go over the top, resulting in three sixes.
Malik took over the show when Babar was fired. With only 36 runs on the board, Scotland lost the wickets of skipper Kyle Coetzer. And Matthew Cross in a big chase.
Scotland never had a chance in the game, falling to 42 for two within the first ten overs. With 54 off 37 balls, Richie Berrington was the lone Scotland batsman to shine.
The manner in which Shadab Khan (2/140) bowled. Getting his googlies and leg-spinners correct ahead of the huge semifinal against Australia. Was one of the major positives for Pakistan bowling.
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