News Desk
Australia have stunned Pakistan by five wickets in the second semi-final of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Dubai and will face New Zealand in the lucrative final on November 14.
Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis starred after the Aussies lost half of the side in the run chase.
The Men in Green had posted 176-4 courtesy of a brilliant batting display by Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman.
Earlier, Pakistan was put in to bat by Australia captain Aaron Finch. The duo of skipper Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan once again rose to the occasion.
They raced to 47 in the first six overs, the highest Pakistan scored in the powerplay during this tournament.
Babar and Rizwan bagged respective records to their name. Babar reached 2500 T20I runs in the minimum number of innings (62) while Rizwan became the first batter in the history of the format to score 1000 runs in a calendar year.
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa, Australia’s best bowler of the tournament, provided the first breakthrough. Babar looked to attack Zampa but was caught at log-on by David Warner. Babar scored 39 off 34 balls with the help of five fours.
Rizwan was joined by out-of-form Fakhar Zaman, who was slow in his approach in the first 15 balls. Meanwhile, Rizwan showed some intent and reached half-century, his third of the competition.
