AUS 193/4 (20.0 Ovs)
PAK 172/8 (20.0 Ovs)
Australia won by 21 runs
That's it from this game. Pakistan are out, while Australia stay alive to set up a virtual quarter-final against India. Lots of turmoil, lots of unrest and Pakistan just couldn't keep a grip of themselves. Afridi's words were that they aren't good enough, Waqar had said the same in the pre-match presser. So it leaves one wondering what their morale might have been like. But well, that is Pakistan cricket as we know it. There's not a lot of time left before the second game for today kicks off, between South Africa and West Indies. Toss is around 15 minutes away. Switch over to that space. See you there!
Afridi: "First I would like to congratulate Australia. Honestly speaking, we are not good enough. Bowlers gave too many runs in last 4-5 overs. I'll go back home and then make a decision [about retirement]. I'll do what's best for the country. I will announce this in my country. It's not easy to handle pressure as Pakistan captain. I want to thank the management, the players, the selection committee and the chairman who have supported me. I want to thank the people of Kolkata who gave us a lot of support. Also want to thank the people of Kashmir who came down for supporting us [huge roar from the crowd]. And thank you to the BCCI for their hospitality as well."
Smith: "We haven't quite played to our potential yet in the first two games. You want to play your best cricket in the back end of the tournament. Today was a clinical performance and I'm proud of the boys. Davey [Warner] has hit the ball well and he needed to bat higher up. Usman has been batting beautifully and Finch came in and looked good as well. We need to win the remaining three games if we want to win the World Cup. India are a world class team especially in these conditions. Zampa is a very smart bowler, reads the batsman well, and all his skills are coming together. The game against India is in two days time. Probably, we'll see some footage and stuff. But tomorrow, we'll just rest. T20 cricket takes a lot out of you and then be ready to go in 2 days time."
"I got lucky in the end. More importantly, we won and got back on track. I'm just happy we won again and played some decent cricket as a group as we have done back home. We didn't start well, but there's lot of strength and depth in the squad and there was no reason we couldn't bounce back. India are a strong team in these conditions, and we'll start afresh in a couple of days time," says Man of the Match, James Faulkner.
So, Pakistan are knocked out of the tournament. The game between India and Australia is a virtual quarterfinal. Chasing a target of 194 was an uphill task, Sharjeel Khan slaughtered the Aussie bowling and continued from where he left off from the game against the Kiwis. Just when Pakistan were on course, Faulkner removed the dangerous Sharjeel and that clamped down the scoring rate. Umar Akmal culled the rot briefly. Pakistan would've known they needed a Boom Boom special to bail them out but unfortunately, his innings was cut short by the leggie Zampa. Khalid and Malik did some willow wielding but the pressure of chasing a run-rate of 15 plus got the better of them. The Aussie bowlers bowled tight lines and were right on the money. James Faulkner picked up a 5-fer, he was equally supported by Zampa and Hazlewood.
Finch seeks out Afridi as the two teams shake hands. Watson is waving to the crowds, although he still has a game left against India, and then a couple more if Australia go all the way.
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