World Cup: Australia beat Pakistan by 6 wickets, set semi-final clash with India

By Newsgram Staff Writer

It was an another one-sided encounter in the quarter final of the ICC World Cup with Australian side making it into the semis quite easily.

Australia's victory keeps them on course for a fifth World Cup victory and sets up a chance to avenge their 2011 quarter-final defeat against India in Sydney on 26th March.

After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat and were bundled out for 213. A combination of disciplined bowling from Australia and reckless shots from Pakistani batsmen ensured that the baggy greens were given a modest total to chase.

At one point, Pakistan were cruising at 92-2 before their innings collapsed. Skipper Misbah-ul Haq (34) and Haris Sohail (41) showed some resistance in front of the fiery Aussie pace attack but failed to capitalize on the starts.

Pat Cummins's replacement Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers for the Aussies with the figures of 4-35.

Chasing the paltry total of 213. Australia also started on a shaky note and were trailing at 59-3 in 10 overs before Steve Smith played a match winning knock of 62. Pakistani bowlers led by pacer Wahab Riaz created a few chances but were let down by the dismal fielding performance from the side from the sub-continent.

Watson's (4) dropped catch was the turning point of the match and had that opportunity been converted, Australia scorecard would have read 80-4. Watson making most of the lifeline given to him went on to score 64. His partnership with Smith and Watson sealed the game for Australia before Glenn Maxwell's quick cameo of 44 in 29 ended Pakistan's World Cup journey.

Australia now play India in the semi-finals at SCG.