Aussies book T20 WC final berth

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC):

Australia will meet New Zealand in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup after trouncing previously unbeaten Pakistan by five wickets in the second semi-final here yesterday.

In pursuit of 177 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Australia slumped to 96 for five in the 13th over before recovering to reach their total with an over to spare.

It was Matthew Wade who spearheaded the recovery, his unbeaten 41 requiring just 17 deliveries and including two fours and four sixes.

More crucially, he added 81 in a match-winning, unbroken sixth wicket stand with Marcus Stoinis who punched two fours and two sixes in a 31-ball knock.

Opener David Warner had earlier struck 49 off 30 deliveries but was one of three wickets to tumble for 19 runs as leg-spinner Shadab Khan snatched four for 26 to scythe through the middle order.

71-RUN OPENING STAND

Sent in, Pakistan were powered by Mohammad Rizwan who blasted 67 from 52 balls, inspiring a 71-run opening stand with captain Babar Azam who stroked a patient 39 from 34 deliveries.

Babar hit five fours before holing out to long on off leg-spinner Adam Zampa but Rizwan, who counted three fours and four sixes, put on a further 72 with Fakhar Zaman to sustain the momentum.

Fakhar faced 32 balls and struck three fours and four sixes as Pakistan gathered 60 runs from the last five overs – including 21 runs off the 17th from fast bowler Josh Hazlewood.

When sensational left-armer Shaheen Shah Afridi pinned captain Aaron Finch lbw on his stumps with the third ball of the run chase, Pakistan appeared to have the upper hand.

But Warner belted three fours and three sixes in a 51-run second wicket stand with Mitchell Marsh (28) to put Australia back in the contest, before Stoinis and Wade rescued the innings following the slump.

Australia beat West Indies in their final group stage match last week, which condemned the Caribbean side to their fourth loss in fifth outings in the tournament.