Warner, Marsh tons aid Australia thump Pakistan

Put into bat first, Australian openers David Warner and Mitchell Marsh dominated Pakistan bowlers, both scoring centuries and powered their side to a mammoth 367/9 in 50 overs.

Pakistan, while chasing, got off to a solid start as their openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq also fired before Marcus Stoinis pulled things back by dismissing both of them in quick succession.

Out-of-form Adam Zampa soon claimed the prized scalp of Pakistan captain Babar Azam, causing the green shirts to slip to 175/3 in 26.2 overs.

Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan put together an anchoring 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Pat Cummins got rid of Saud.

Rizwan was then joined by Iftikhar Ahmed in the middle and he charged at the Australian bowlers before Zampa removed him in the 39th over.

Zampa then struck again in his next over and got rid of Pakistan’s mainstay Mohammad Rizwan to put the five-time champions in complete control.

Rizwan remained a notable run-getter for Pakistan with a 40-ball 46 including five boundaries.

Australian bowlers then ran through their batting tail and soon booked Pakistan on 305 to taste their second consecutive victory, which lifted them to the fourth position in the ICC World Cup 2023.