Australia stay alive: 

James Faulkner picked up an unlikely 5-wicket haul in the end with his variations as Pakistan lose by 21 runs. Australia are firmly in contention for that second semi-final spot and have now set up a virtual quarterfinal clash with India on Sunday. Pakistan did threaten in the middle with some cameos but they were always behind the required rate and as expected, 193 proved too much for them.

Pakistan slip further

Akmal, Afridi promise a lot during their short stay but both fall tying to take on Zampa. Pakistan are now on 114 for 4 in 14 overs.

Big wicket: Sharjeel bowled

Drags it on! That's a big wicket for Australia, the in-form Sharjeel departs. This was pitched up and held its line outside off, not the length to be attempting the pull, Sharjeel does just that, is very early on the shot and ends up dragging it back onto his stumps. The leg-stump is rattled and Pakistan have lost both openers now and are now 41 for 2 after 5.4 overs.

Shehzad departs: 

Early breakthrough for Australia! Hazlewood was hit for some boundaries by Sharjeel but he responds by bouncing out Ahmed Shehzad for 1. Khalid Latif is the new man in.

Australia end with 193 for 4

Smith (61 not out off 43) and Watson (44 not out off 21) help Australia end with a flourish in a must win game for both sides. Pakistan did well to strike early but lost the plot real quick in the end and ended up conceding a lot of runs. Can they chase it? It'll be tough chase for sure.

Just when it looked like Australia have recovered well after a steady stand, Maxwell throws it away. Maxwell and Smith added 62 runs for the fourth wicket and trying to up the ante, Maxwell is caught at long-on. Imad Wasim getting his second. Watson is the new man in. Australia 124 for 4 in 14 overs.

And another one

This time it's Finch. Australia's top three batsmen have been bowled. Length ball from Imad Wasim and it comes back in with the arm, Finch is a bit late getting his bat down and gets bowled. Pakistan are right back in this game with quick wickets after a fast start.

Khawaja, Warner nipped out

The Australian opener looked scratchy but did well as well to tonk the bowlers. However, one poor mistake means he has to walk back. He hammered a six over square leg but wanted to hit another boundary. Made room to play the ball to the off side, failed to connect to a near perfect yorker and was bowled.

Australia are 32 for 1 after four overs with Warner the new man in.

He too doesn't last long. Wahab is on song here. Warner clearly beaten by pace. Length ball, comes back in just a bit and TIMBAAHHHHH! Australia are 42 for 2 in 5.1 overs.

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Alright then, Amir to start with the ball, Khawja to face, Finch is with him and we are all set to rock and roll.

Toss: Australia opt to bat

Finch and Hazlewood come in for Mitchell Marsh and Hastings. Irfan has been left out for Wahab Riaz.

"I'll retire in front of my countrymen," says Shahid Afridi

Here's something interesting!

How can a misfiring team channelise their efforts towards a common goal? Pakistan have not had a settled batting order. They should have won against New Zealand after Sharjeel Khan got them off to a flier, but the likes of Shehzad, Akmal and Malik could not find that next gear. Issues off the field might have effected the performances as well. However, they need Afridi to inspire them one final time, if they have to have an iota of chance for qualifying for the semifinals. Meanwhile, Australia also have tinkered with their batting line-up. They came into the tournament with David Warner in the middle-order, a move that has drawn a lot of flak. Usman Khawaja has justified his selection with consistent performance, but Watson has held on to his position because of some uncanny bowling. Who will bat where today? Hmmm.. A question that the entire Australian nation needs answered.

Let's leave the scenarios for later on and concentrate on two careers that are coming to a halt. Two all-rounders, who have been vital cogs for their respective sides. Two cricketers who have been admired all through the world, who have had their fair share of criticism, but found ways to entertain us. I am talking about Shahid Boom Boom Afridi and Shane Watson. Two of the best in the business, decided their time is up. So, that gives extra motivation for both sides to win it for them. Who will succeed?