Cricket News: Twitter reactions as Australia pulls off stunning win vs Pakistan | Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis lead incredible Australia win over Pakistan
Shades of 2010. Just as Pakistan looked well in the driver’s seat, an Australian middle order batsman left them shattered.
Back then it was Michael Hussey. Now it is Matthew Wade along with his partner in crime Marcus Stoinis.
In a second thrilling Semi Final (just what the tournament needed), after England vs New Zealand 24 hours earlier, Australia got over the line in a magnificent display of composure, shot selection and execution. Wade and Stoinis led Australia home in a tight game against South Africa in their tournament opener, but this was something else.
With Wade still on nought off two balls, Australia needed 73 runs off 39 balls. It then ballooned out to 50 off 24 balls, with one wicket surely handing Pakistan a spot in the Final. But, Stoinis and Wade turned up the heat, with Hassan Ali’s dropped catch the pivotal moment as Wade then hit three straight sixes against Pakistan’s premier bowler to seal victory with an incredible six balls to spare.
Earlier, Pakistan’s premier bowler was in irresistible form, delivering one of the best first overs you’ll see to pin the Australians right on the backfoot in a big chase. David Warner then led the recovery, but decided not to review daylight between bat and ball. But, unfortunately for Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan (4/26) and Pakistan, they couldn’t keep their composure after Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman led them to 176.
Now, we will see a brand new T20 World Cup champion. Either one of the trans-tasman rivals. Australia have a genuine shot at winning the title, with Stoinis, who previously credited the IPL for his improvement, helping Australia solve its finishing conundrum along with player of the match Wade.
And to do it in front of a passionate Pakistani crowd was some effort. In the process, Australia have kept alive their record of never losing to Pakistan in an ICC tournament knockout match. An incredible finish to an incredible night, and it all comes down to Sunday.